robson-on-politics, a weekly newsletter from Matt Robson MP Deputy Leader of the Progressive Party
We deliver on 4 Weeks Leave commitment
The Progressive Party can now add Four Weeks minimum annual leave for all fulltime workers as another commitment
delivered, after Parliament on Thursday voted by a thumping 33-vote majority in favour of a revamped Holidays Bill -
revamped to include the Progressives' 4 Weeks Leave Bill. In my speech, I did of course signal that I will continue to
pursue amendments to bring the extra week's leave into force two years earlier than the revamped Holidays Bill proposes
and I'll continue to ask for other parties' support for a start date of April 2005. See my speech at:
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Radi Centre: turning wood into high value exports
You'll remember that last week Jim Anderton entered into debate with a timber industry figure, a sawmiller who seems to
think we should simply export low-value sawn wood. But wood processing could become our most valuable industry in 15
years if we aim for high- value exports. Yesterday Jim Anderton opened the Radi Centre (must be something to do with
radiata pine) which will deliver training, skills development and research. Another step moving the timber industry
towards high value exports and more, well paying, jobs. Good news generally on jobs this week as 45% of businesses plan
to hire more staff in the next six months. The construction and property sector was the most positive. That will mean we
need even more skilled workers. See:
and
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To decriminalize or not - that is the question
This week it was the Greens' turn to organize a public debate on cannabis law reform - in Ohariu Belmont - following the
Otahuhu and Wigram debates organized by the Progressives earlier. About 150 people packed the Johnsonville Community
Centre. Many had their say in a real community event that showed New Zealanders want to participate in the decisions
affecting their lives, not just leave it to others. It was good the policy was debated, not personalities. For me the
issue of drug abuse is about one group, the vulnerable young, getting themselves into drugs only to cause themselves and
their families so much despair. Sorry, Nandor, I got the floor vote in Auckland last week wrong. The correct figure was
46-34 against cannabis. See Jim Anderton's statement on sending a strong anti-drug message to young people at
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The Pacific meets the Italians
Auckland Progressives will be celebrating a good year on Sunday night at La Dolce Vita, 42 High St in the city. Call 273
8150 if you'd like to join the party or email sallygriffin@xtra.co.nz.
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Don Brash is not leading the right-wing very well
The right wing parties are in disarray and their chances of cobbling together a grand coalition after the next election
are diminishing rapidly. NZ First voted in favour of 4 Weeks Leave and says it is not going back on the issue, but
National and ACT say any Right Wing coalition they are part of will repeal 4 Weeks Leave. United Future is in favour of
sensible Resource Management Waitaki Catchment Amendment Bill - which will allow the many applications for water use in
the Waitaki catchment to be considered together - but National says the legislation is the End Of The World. ACT and
National say they will abandon our moral and independent foreign policy if they are in government. NZ First and United
give mixed messages on this issue. In short, the four conservative parties take differing approaches to major policies -
but one thing they agree on is their desperation to get into power.
See: Matt Robson's on Brash's silence on that pamphlet at
Jim Anderton on National's ineffectiveness at
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Select Committee inquiry on links with Tonga
The Dominion Post in its editorial gave me credit for proposing the inquiry and said it might help focus some official
minds. Submissions have now been called for and must be in by 28 March 2004. Terms of Reference and 'how to make
submissions' information can be obtained from my office, or see www.progressive.org.nz
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It is incredible that a man could be held in prison without charge for a year without knowing what he is accused of.
Watch out in the weekend media for new developments in the Ahmed Zaoui case which brings shame to all of us.
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ENDS