Scoop: Top Scoops + Just Politics

Wednesday, 17 March 2004, 8:02 pm
Article: Alastair Thompson

TODAY’S TOP SCOOPS
LEAD STORY:
Scoop Is In The House
Brash Tax Pack Not Enough For Business Cronies
NZIS vs SIS Over Three Allegedly Dangerous Residents
MORE NEW ZEALAND HEADLINES:
Amnesty Concerned Over Wave Of Syrian Kurds Arrests
INTERNATIONAL NEWS HEADLINES
STORY OF THE WEEK: Race Based Funding For Young Crims Criticised

SCOOP COLUMNS:
The Real Deal: The Stealing Of America
Damian Christie Is At Public Address
Sonia Nettnin: Zionism
Ivan Eland: Mayhem In Madrid
Yellowtimes.org: The Terrorists Lost In Madrid
William Rivers Pitt: Playing Politics With 9/11
Daily Katya Rivas Meditations

OTHER NEWS (Just Politics)
$130 Million Of Govt. Relief For February Floods
Tributes To Sir William Pickering Rocket Scientist
ACT Proposes A Shallow Grave For Courts Report (Or Not)
...EARLIER Sweeping Reforms Proposed For NZ Court Structure
Peter Brown Is Worried About Westhaven
Civil Forfeiture Regime For Criminal Proceeds Recovery
MSD's SWIFTT - Computer Marvel Or White Elephant
Aquaculture Moratorium Extension Bill To Be Passed Today
Brash Accused Of Slagging NZ In Oz
Margaret Wilson Addresses New Zealand's Constitution
Govt. Accused Of Doing A Pilate On Food Safety

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...TODAY'S PHOTO STORY...

http://scoop.co.nz/mason/features/?s=israelpalestine
ISM Pays 'Die In' Tribute To Rachel Corrie's Memory In Palestine

Scoop Is In The House

- For Wednesday's Questions and Answers see… Questions & Answers for Oral Answer 17 March 2004 [1] . For Tuesday's questions and answers for oral answer see... Questions & Answers for Oral Answer - 16 Mar. 2004 [2] .

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0403/S00403.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0403/S00343.htm

LEAD STORY:
Brash Tax Pack Not Enough For Business Cronies

- I want this morning to clarify where the National Party stands on tax policy, as our position has been mis-represented by an increasingly desperate Labour-led Government. See... Don Brash outlines National's tax priorities [1] ALSO: - National - Speech Don Brash Institute of Directors breakfast [2] - Govt. - Tax cut bonus to foreign investors only [3] - ACT (Hide) - Brash Tax Promise Nowhere Near Enough - ACT [4] - ACT (Prebble) - Tax Policy Political Rot [5] - United - National’s tax policy U-turn [6] - Business NZ - Brash tax reduction hint disappointing [7]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0403/S00358.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0403/S00360.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0403/S00371.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0403/S00362.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0403/S00368.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0403/S00370.htm
[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/BU0403/S00197.htm

NZIS vs SIS Over Three Allegedly Dangerous Residents

- The Immigration Minister must explain why the residency visas of the three people identified as security risks have not been revoked, says National's Immigration Spokesperson, Dr Wayne Mapp. See... If in doubt, kick them out [1] MORE: - Progressives - National's Spokesperson has no regard for law [2] - Greens - SIS can't be trusted to get it right, says Locke [3] - ACT - Too Dangerous To Be In New Zealand? [4] - NZ First - Immigration Policy Sparks Terrorism Fears [5]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0403/S00366.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0403/S00384.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0403/S00395.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0403/S00365.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0403/S00357.htm

MORE NEW ZEALAND HEADLINES:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/GE0403/S00062.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0403/S00124.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0403/S00123.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/BU0403/S00198.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/BU0403/S00195.htm

Amnesty Concerned Over Wave Of Syrian Kurds Arrests

- Amnesty International today expressed serious concerns about reports that at least 20 people have been killed and hundreds of Syrian Kurds arrested by security forces in Syria since 12 March 2004. See... Syria: Mass arrests of Syrian Kurds [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0403/S00234.htm

INTERNATIONAL NEWS HEADLINES

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/SC0403/S00065.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0403/S00239.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0403/S00235.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0403/S00233.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0403/S00231.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0403/S00230.htm

STORY OF THE WEEK: Race Based Funding For Young Crims Criticised

- National is calling for the end of a $10 million race-based fund which buys computers, gym memberships, sports shoes and music lessons for young offenders who are Maori. See... End race-based funding for young crims [1] See more on the story of the week coverage….

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0403/S00386.htm

http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0403/S00190.htm
Mel Martinez - A Modern Day Pirate?
The Stealing Of America & How To Stop It Happening

SCOOP COLUMNS:
The Real Deal: The Stealing Of America

- The double standard that ensures a rich flow of piratization profits is normally hard to explain without a hotseat that provides the wealth of links that simplify the complexity of piratization at places like HUD. See... The Real Deal: HUD Sec Mel Martinez' Hotseat (III) [1] EARLIER: - The Real Deal: HUD Sec. Mel Martinez' Hotseat [2] - The Real Deal: HUD Sec. Mel Martinez' Hotseat (II) [3] - Eco-Economy: The Toy Boys of Fraud… [4]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0403/S00199.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0403/S00177.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0403/S00190.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0403/S00170.htm

Damian Christie Is At Public Address

- Is anyone concerned about our political leaders apparent inability to engage in a sustained debate without getting personal? We've already surrendered each day's parliamentary Question Time to name calling, mindless goading and point scoring. See... Public Address 17/03/04 - Sin 'n' Things [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0403/S00198.htm

Sonia Nettnin: Zionism

- The political movement of Zionism is about the continuous development of Israel. This expansion occurs through the confiscation of Palestinian land and resources. See... Effects of Zionism on the Palestinian People [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0403/S00197.htm

Ivan Eland: Mayhem In Madrid

- It appears that the Spanish people can thank the Bush administration for the horrendous bombing of four commuter trains in Madrid that killed 200 people and injured 1,500. See... Ivan Eland: Mayhem in Madrid [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0403/S00196.htm

Yellowtimes.org: The Terrorists Lost In Madrid

- Spanish voters gave a decisive blow to the right-wing and undemocratic Aznar government, which put Spain behind George Bush's war despite the strong disapproval of the overwhelming majority of Spaniards. See... Gabriel Ash: The Terrorists Lost! [1] COMPLETE COMMENT ON MADRID BOMBINGS: - Rosalea Barker - Stateside with Rosalea: A Castle In Spain [2] - Russell Brown - Public Address 16/3/04 - New Realities, Old Voices [3] - Martin LeFevre - Meditations (Politics): Between Scylla & Charybdis [4]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0403/S00195.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0403/S00189.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0403/S00187.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0403/S00186.htm

William Rivers Pitt: Playing Politics With 9/11

- The attacks of September 11 have become, morosely, a political football. The Bush for President campaign is running commercials that display burning towers and the faces of brave firefighters, said firefighters being played by actors. See... UQ Wire: 9/11 Nonsense [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0403/S00194.htm

Daily Katya Rivas Meditations

- Pilate ordered that they take Me to the presence of Herod… He was a poor corrupt man who only searched for pleasure, allowing him to be driven to disorderly passions. See... Katya Rivas: Jesus Is Taken before Herod [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0403/S00181.htm

http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/SC0403/S00064.htm
Is This A UFO?

$130 Million Of Govt. Relief For February Floods

- The Government has announced a further assistance package for communities and local authorities affected by February's floods. See... Flood relief for communities & local authorities [1] MORE: - Govt. - Government Provides Further Aid To Flood Areas [2] - Govt flood spending to cost about $130 million [3]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0403/S00389.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0403/S00393.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0403/S00387.htm

Tributes To Sir William Pickering Rocket Scientist

- "Sir William Pickering was one of the outstanding scientific talents New Zealand has produced", Research Science and Technology Minister Pete Hodgson said today. See... Sir William Pickering, a great New Zealander [1] MORE: - National - Brash pays tribute to outstanding New Zealander [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0403/S00392.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0403/S00398.htm

ACT Proposes A Shallow Grave For Courts Report (Or Not)

- ACT New Zealand Courts Spokesman Stephen Franks today urged Labour to ignore much of the Law Commission's `vision' for the courts, just as it have ignored so many other Commission reports in the past. See... Bury Law Commission Report on Courts [1] .. but then and later today added… Don't Throw The Court Baby Out [2] MORE: - NZ First - Open Justice Is Fair Says NZ First [3]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0403/S00361.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0403/S00381.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0403/S00356.htm

...EARLIER Sweeping Reforms Proposed For NZ Court Structure

The Government has welcomed the Law Commission’s report Delivering Justice for All, as a valuable input into continuing reform of the justice and court system. See... Government welcomes review of court system [1] ANNOUNCEMENT: Law Commission Proposes More Accessible Court System [2] Existing/Proposed Court Structure Diagrams [3] Delivering Justice for All - Recommendations [4] Delivering Justice for All - Summary Of Key Themes [5] REACTION: - ACT - Law Commission Proposal Doesn't Go Far Enough [6] - United Future - Smith applauds call to open Family Court [7] & Smith: Govt must back court reforms with money [8] - Greens - "Useful" law Commission report misses big picture [9] - National - Law Commission Report A Mixed Bag [10] & Family Court needs more accountability [11] - NZ First - Proposed Court System Wrong Says Jones [12] - CTU Court Proposals Increase the Cost of Justice [13]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0403/S00331.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0403/S00117.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0403/S00120.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0403/S00119.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0403/S00118.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0403/S00332.htm
[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0403/S00319.htm
[8] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0403/S00322.htm
[9] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0403/S00340.htm
[10] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0403/S00338.htm
[11] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0403/S00341.htm
[12] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0403/S00342.htm
[13] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0403/S00122.htm

Peter Brown Is Worried About Westhaven

- New Zealand First is appalled by the state of affairs, which is developing on the Auckland waterfront with the proposal of Ports of Auckland to seek foreign buyers for Westhaven marina. See... Is Westhaven Marina Sale Illegal? [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0403/S00401.htm

Civil Forfeiture Regime For Criminal Proceeds Recovery

- The Government is to develop a civil forfeiture regime to improve the effectiveness of criminal asset recovery laws, Justice Minister Phil Goff announced today. See... Goff backs civil regime to target criminal assets [1] , United… Alexander: Crime assets move should be tougher [2] and the Progressive Party… Push for civil forfeiture in war on drugs [3]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0403/S00399.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0403/S00402.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0403/S00383.htm

MSD's SWIFTT - Computer Marvel Or White Elephant

- When will Social Services and Employment Minister Steve Maharey stop pretending nothing is wrong with the SWIFTT computer system, when new information shows it is costing millions of dollars each year, ACT New Zealand Social Welfare Spokesman Dr Muriel Newman says. See... Maharey's Pet Dinosaur: SWIFTT [1] and Steve Maharey… Benefit payment system among the most reliable [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0403/S00396.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0403/S00394.htm

Aquaculture Moratorium Extension Bill To Be Passed Today

- National has slammed the RMA (Aquaculture Moratorium Extension) Amendment Bill, due for it's third reading in Parliament today. See... New aquaculture law means more stagnation [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0403/S00391.htm

Brash Accused Of Slagging NZ In Oz

- Foreign Minister Phil Goff today accused National Party leader Don Brash of bad-mouthing New Zealand to advance his own political ambitions. See... Brash indulging in Kiwi bashing [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0403/S00388.htm

Margaret Wilson Addresses New Zealand's Constitution

- An address that deals with the evolution of New Zealand's constitutional arrangements See... Lecture on New Zealand's Constitution [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0403/S00385.htm

Govt. Accused Of Doing A Pilate On Food Safety

- Green Party Co-leader Jeanette Fitzsimons says Food Safety Minister Annette King refused to answer in the House today whether New Zealand had ever agreed to the current barriers to effective scientific scrutiny of food safety information. See... Minister washes hands of GE food safety [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0403/S00382.htm

ENDS

© Scoop Media

Alastair Thompson

Scoop Publisher

Alastair Thompson is the co-founder of Scoop. He is of Scottish and Irish extraction and from Wellington, New Zealand. Alastair has 24 years experience in the media, at the Dominion, National Business Review, North & South magazine, Straight Furrow newspaper and online since 1997. He is the winner of several journalism awards for business and investigative work.

Contact Alastair Thompson

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