INDEPENDENT NEWS

robson-on-politics, Thur 26 May

Published: Thu 26 May 2005 05:51 PM
robson-on-politics, Thur 26 May
robson-on-politics, a newsletter from Matt Robson MP Deputy Leader of the Progressive Party http://www.progressiveparty.org.nz
Thur 26 May
Seniors have been there, seen that
It is really great talking with that generation of New Zealanders who know that deficit-financed tax cuts come with very, very big downsides - like the run-down of health and education services and Super cut-backs. Our seniors are so wise because they've seen it all before. They remember.
They know that the Opposition's Dark Dirty Secret, which is for central government to merrily go on a massive borrowing spree in order to deliver tax cuts mainly for those who least need it. They know that would rob the government of the ability to invest in our people and add significantly to the interest costs we are already saddled with for the debts incurred under Muldoonism.
Seniors want Central Government to invest much more on aged care workers in residential care. They realise you can't have that if you also have a government that is busy borrowing billions overseas in order to fund big tax cuts for the rich.
The siren sounds of National, Act, NZ First and United, the four-headed alternative to the Labour-Progressive government, were absolutely not enough to seduce the Manurewa Branch of Grey Power whom I had the pleasure of meeting with today. http://www.progressive.org.nz/modules.php?name=News=article=1821
Correspondence on alcohol harm is flooding in
Thank you to all that have written, emailed or phoned me about my Alcohol Youth Harm Reduction Bill.
Some of your messages are very personal and have affected me deeply. I promise you that I am reading everything that comes my way and that I will give this my best shot. For more information on the public health and public order issues at stake go to:
http://www.20years.co.nz and
http://www.progressiveparty.org.nz/drinking-age
Alcohol Health Watch a must read
Remember this is about a great deal more than the alcohol purchasing age. The dedicated people at Alcohol Health Watch have been on to this serious issue for many years and their website is a must read for those interested in studying some of the public health issues at stake: http://www.ahw.co.nz
Strong message sent to liquor retailers
The Liquor Licensing Authority has just agreed to an Auckland City Council application to have the off-licenses of three outlets suspended after they were found to have sold liquor to minors.
The authority has also agreed with an application to suspend the certificates for five general managers. The suspensions were ordered after a controlled purchase operation conducted in November.
The operation took place over a weekend and a total of 70 premises were visited. At 31, either no questions were asked about the volunteer's age or there was no request for identification. It is shocking how many outlets were found to be selling liquor to the volunteers and a disgrace how often it was the managers who made the sales.
If alcohol, a mind-altering and behaviour-altering drug, is being sold to 16 year olds then of course it is no surprise that their 14 and 15 year-old mates are getting themselves into so much danger. http://www.progressive.org.nz/modules.php?name=News=article=1820
Hurray for Helen Clark and Mark Gosche
Prime Minister Helen Clark, I am told, is supporting sending the Alcohol Harm Reduction Bill to select committee. That's leadership! My good friend and colleague Mark Gosche also supports people power. Where do you think these leaders stand? Peter Dunne (United), Rodney Hide (ACT) and Don Brash (National, his vote in favour of prostitution liberalisation was equal to the one vote majority that changed the law) stand?
Will the great leaders of the Right support the public's right to have a say on an issue as important as alcohol and the young? Check to find out at:
http://www.20years.co.nz
'Eye To Eye' on TV1 Sat 9.30am, repeated TV1 Tues 11.05pm, has a vigorous debate on my bill.
Des Ripi, candidate for Te Tai Tokerau and I go head to head with the liquor industry. Also a brief appearance on the 'Backbenchers' slot of Agenda, TV1, between 8.30am and 9.30am Sat.
ENDS

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