robson-on-politics 28 May
robson-on-politics, a weekly newsletter from Matt Robson MP Deputy Leader of the Progressive Party
www.progressive.org.nz
Progressive: positive about people and jobs
Fri 28 May
A more Progressive Budget
There isn't any doubt in my mind that Budget 2004 has been the most progressive yet since our minority coalition
government first came into office nearly five years ago. Some say it's the most progressive in 30 years When Jim
Anderton and I first went into coalition, there were 193,000 fewer New Zealanders in paid employment than there are now.
We are delivering. Jobs, and also the training and education necessary to get into employment in an increasingly
competitive marketplace. Budget 2004 includes $56.9 million more over four years more for this Cornerstone Commitment of
the Progressive party.
See 'Jobs, training are building blocks' http://www.progressive.org.nz/modules.php?name=News=article=892
We've just delivered our fifth Budget in an extraordinary environment where the unemployment rate has dropped to be at
its lowest level in a generation. New Zealand's unemployment rate is lower than anywhere except for tiny Luxembourg,
mighty Switzerland and that model of economic developmentalism - South Korea. Budget 2004's contribution to transforming
the industrial base of our economy is the most ambitious since Sir Julius Vogel in the 19th century. We've put in place
an integrated and comprehensive approach to promoting economic development. 'Supporting sectors to succeed' http://www.progressive.org.nz/modules.php?name=News=article=925 'Raising management capability' http://www.progressive.org.nz/modules.php?name=News=article=926
It is focused on strengthening and deepening New Zealand's connections with the world economy. In other words - it helps
us do a better job of selling to the rest of the world high-value, high-skill products that customers overseas really
want to buy.
That is the only way to ensure on-going or sustainable prosperity for all New Zealanders. That is why we've delivered
half a billion dollars over four years to unleash New Zealanders' creativity and talent by investing in capability of
small businesses, in opening doors to our businesses in new overseas markets and in the skills and training of our
people.
'$500m supporting economic growth' http://www.progressive.org.nz/modules.php?name=News=article=946
but 'National threatens growth' http://www.progressive.org.nz/modules.php?name=News=article=937
We have a government at last that is investing properly in research and science, and in the education sector. We have a
progressive administration that is supporting the hothouses of innovation, and improving their links with the world, to
help commercialise New Zealand innovation.
'Promoting NZ in the world' http://www.progressive.org.nz/modules.php?name=News=article=944
'NavMan, another Kiwi success from government partnership' http://www.progressive.org.nz/modules.php?name=News=article=940
The Progressive Party is committed to ensuring no one lives in poverty and that families' interests are protected.
'Hip Op Hooray' (what a groaner!) says Matt Robson as knee, hip operations double
http://www.progressive.org.nz/modules.php?name=News=article=936
The Labour Progressive Budget 2004 unashamedly aims to reduce financial hardship for families, to invest in the War
against drug-peddling gangs and to look after the victims of drug abuse. Why? Because we know that economic and social
development go hand in hand.
Turning offenders around
In Whakatane on Saturday I presented certificates to the graduates of the Te Rakau Ote Ora programme at Te Hokowhitu
Atu Marae. This is a programme operated by the Probation Service with the marae for young offenders. One proud young
graduate told the audience that this was "the first certificate that I have ever received in my life". The Progressives
will continue to advocate for resources for programmes that rehabilitate by building skills, self-esteem and pride.
Congratulations to Ronnie Stewart-Ward, Kapua Te Ua, and their team, and to the Probation Service staff at Whakatane.
Matt Robson speech
http://www.progressive.org.nz/modules.php?name=News=article=921
A forgotten tragedy
On May 14 I wrote about the people of southern Sudan, butchered by government-backed militia. This week saw the UN
Security Council condemn the atrocity. At home, New Zealanders can support the people of the Darfur region by giving to
the appeals of Christian World Service (0800 74 73 72) and Oxfam (0800 600 700.) www.oxfam.org.nz and www.cws.org.nz/Emergencies/Sudan.asp
A further step in saying 'No to Drugs'
Associate-Minister of Health Jim Anderton this week launched a new stage in the anti-drugs strategy of the
Labour-Progressive government. $54 million is allocated over four years to fight drug crime and support victims.
'Delivering on anti-drugs strategy' http://www.progressive.org.nz/modules.php?name=News=article=939
Private-profit prisons paroled
Another Progressive policy plank was ticked off this week when the Corrections Bill was passed. Privatisation of the
prison system, introduced by the last government and supported by the Opposition, has been stopped in its tracks. The
Corrections system will remain in public hands so prisons can concentrate on rehabilitation and re-integration rather
than on profits for shareholders.
Matt Robson speech: 'Corrections law change vital in fighting crime, rehabilitating lives
http://www.progressive.org.nz/modules.php?name=News=article=942
Tomorrow, the Wigram electorate selects its candidate. See www.progressive.org.nz for the result and for more on the
latest news. Radio 531PI, Sunday 12 - 1, is the Robson Hour. This week: Jim Anderton and Richard Prebble
ENDS