robson-on-politics 7 May
robson-on-politics, a weekly newsletter from Matt Robson MP Deputy Leader of the Progressive Party
Progressive: positive about people and jobs
The past week in politics has brought us to a turning point in the future of New Zealand politics. It has also been a
week of progressive achievements.
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Easter Sunday saved for families
On Wednesday, our two Progressive votes ensured that Parliament recognised a work-life balance for Kiwi families by
rejecting the Opposition's Shop Trading Hours Bill by - you got it - 2 votes. I am delighted that my behind-the-scenes
lobbying, down to the wire, influenced enough MPs to make a difference. Shops will continue to close on Good Friday,
Easter Sunday, Christmas Day and Anzac Day morning, providing precious time for families to be together - a tremendous
victory for workers and I salute the National Distribution Union for their campaign.
See part of the lobbying trail with a first statement:
http://www.progressive.org.nz/modules.php?name=News=article=814
a final plea:
http://www.progressive.org.nz/modules.php?name=News=article=858
Success!
http://www.progressive.org.nz/modules.php?name=News=article=861
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Budget 2004 to build connections with the world
For the fifth year in a row, Cabinet's most hard-working and successful Minister was first out of the blocks with
pre-budget day announcements on behalf of the Labour-Progressive government. Jim Anderton announced that Budget 2004
will include significant initiatives to build New Zealand's connections with the world with exciting measures to help
both firms and entire sectors to break into new markets. And the Ministry of Economic Development's new Growth & Innovation Framework website was launched. Economic growth, fostered by regional and industry development, allows us to
deliver our social justice ideals See: http://www.progressive.org.nz/modules.php?name=News=article=862 http://www.progressive.org.nz/modules.php?name=News=article=860 and the MED website www.gif.med.govt.nz
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The Foreshore & Seabed Bill
Progressive supported this bill on Thursday because we endorse its two key principles: Parliament must uphold all New
Zealanders' existing rights to enjoy going to the seaside regardless of their inherited family wealth or racial
background; and secondly, where we so starkly differ from the so-called "National" party, we reject their bid to rip up
the rule of law by promising to take away Maori peoples' right to have their customary claims - and the extent of those
claims - identified by the courts. The voice of opposition among many Maori is sincere. However with patience we can
convince the electorate - Maori and non-Maori - that this legislation will benefit all.
The next step, the select committee process, will be the opportunity for everyone, no matter what their view, to state
their case. And people who made rash generalisations over the past month may be challenged by the committee to
substantiate their statements with facts.
From this process, the Progressives are committed to secure a just and equitable solution for all. We will not be afraid
to look at amendments. See the statement we made when we gave our speaking slot to Maori MPs:
http://www.progressive.org.nz/modules.php?name=News=article=868
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Managing differing policies inside our coalition
Progressive voted against the New Organisms & Other Maters (NOOM) legislation last year because we disagreed with Labour over some vital matters relating to the
commercial release of GE food at this time. Third ranked Minister, Jim Anderton, voted against his Labour Cabinet
colleagues on NOOM. He lives to tell the tale because he and I accept the democratic verdict of Parliament which was
that a majority endorsed NOOM. In August 2002, 62 Members of Parliament from Labour, Progressive and United made a
solemn pledge to have confidence to work together until September 2005. The Labour-Progressive government has the
confidence of the opposition United Party to govern. While we may differ on important policy points, the coalition
government continues to promote its centre-left direction. Refresh your memory of the coalition agreement:
http://www.progressive.org.nz/modules.php?name=Sections=viewarticle=4
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A Brash-ACT government: Nightmare for Enzed
There are two alternative governments in New Zealand. A Clark-Anderton one or a Brash-ACT one. The second option would
abolish Maori electorate seats, MMP, return NZ to Washington's nuclear umbrella, commit us to illegal foreign wars,
destroy the Major Regional Development Programmes that have so benefited regions like Whanganui and Waikato, and reverse
Four Weeks Annual Leave which is designed to help low income families stay in the workforce and out of welfare. The real
Brash-ACT agenda includes the sale of Kiwibank and other strategic publicly-owned assets. Six links to show how we are
highlighting the contrast between the two choices:
http://www.progressive.org.nz/modules.php?name=News=article=865
http://www.progressive.org.nz/modules.php?name=News=article=859
http://www.progressive.org.nz/modules.php?name=News=article=863
http://www.progressive.org.nz/modules.php?name=News=article=864
http://www.progressive.org.nz/modules.php?name=News=article=856
http://www.progressive.org.nz/modules.php?name=News=article=855
http://www.progressive.org.nz/modules.php?name=News=article=857
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http://www.progressive.org.nz has more on the above items and the rest of the week's news. Including the legacy of Colonel Malone at ANZAC; the IMF
report strongly positive on NZ; and the Nats U-turn on electricity reforms.
robson-on-politics is available by email and fax. If someone you know would like to subscribe, email
matt.robson@parliament.govt.nz