robson-on-politics Fri 15 October

a weekly newsletter from Matt Robson MP Deputy Leader of the Progressive Party www.progressive.org.nz

Progressive: positive about people and jobs

Fri 15 October

Another Major Regional Initiative today

Jim Anderton today announced funding for a National Centre of Maintenance Engineering. The Centre will help the Eastern Bay of Plenty become an even stronger base for capital-intensive industries like forestry than it already is. If we can improve the productivity of equipment, we can improve the productivity of industry, and create more jobs, wealth and opportunity.

We all know that lifting productivity is not just about upgrading equipment, but it is also more importantly about up-skilling people. People with skills in maintenance engineering can make a significant positive difference to the Eastern Bay of Plenty and Progressive is proud of its role in driving the coalition government's regional development programme. http://www.progressive.org.nz/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=1275

Latest developments on Ahmed Zaoui

The Supreme Court has agreed to hear, on Nov 10, the appeal against the decision to refuse bail. The Court also refused leave for the Crown appeal against the decision that TVNZ can interview Ahmed Zaoui. Next Wednesday at Parliament I co-host the Wellington launch of the book I almost forgot about the moon. Email matt.robson@parliament.govt.nz for an invitation.

Quality jobs in forest processing

The Labour Progressive government actively encourages the strengthening of regional economies with projects like the recently-launched Tairawhiti Regional Development Strategy which promotes the expansion of food and wood processing. More good news this week in the campaign to create more high-quality jobs in the processing side of the forestry sector after Ernslaw One confirmed it is to create up to forty new quality jobs in Gisborne - more than offsetting recent lower paid job losses in harvesting.

http://www.progressive.org.nz/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=1273

Ephedrine, pseudoephedrine now controlled drugs

The Labour Progressive coalition government's decision to classify ephedrine and pseudoephedrine as controlled drugs comes into today. The pharmacy-only products containing pseudoephedrine and ephedrine are sometimes stolen by the unscrupulous criminals who manufacture P to peddle to our most vulnerable young. By giving these substances controlled drug status we give our Customs wider powers to investigate importation syndicates including the ability to conduct controlled deliveries as well as allowing for penalties of up to 8 years imprisonment for those caught importing the drugs without a licence.
http://www.progressive.org.nz/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=1272

Over 50% of food exports are added-value

A Massey University study on Thursday shows the extent of the progress New Zealand has made in the five years of progressive government. For the first time ever, more than 50% of all food & beverage exports are now added-value. Now that's progressive! http://www.progressive.org.nz/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=1273

And Aotearoa's textiles sector is thriving

In 1998, we exported $208 million of textiles, clothing and footwear production. That has more than doubled to over $440 million as the progressive government continues to work with the sector on strategies to expand in the increasingly borderless global economy.
http://www.progressive.org.nz/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=1269

Waitakere forum on 'P', alcohol & other drugs

Last night the nation-wide roll-out of public forums on P, alcohol and other drugs, organized by Jim Anderton, continued with an informative meeting in Waitakere. Among the most vulnerable in our community, often in low income households, drugs are destroying lives and opportunities. Marijuana is the most used illicit drug of use.

There are reports that 4% of 15-17 year olds are regular users. While marijuana is bad, our number one drug problem is alcohol. The total of alcohol related offences increased by nearly 80 percent in 2002/03 compared to the previous year. The increase followed the lowering of the drinking age. A recent survey only around half of all parents know when their children drink. 14 to 17 year olds are drinking more and more often. I've got a Bill to put the age back up to 20 years.
http://www.progressive.org.nz/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=1271

Tune into 531AM for The Robson Hour 12 - 1 Sun See www.progressive.org.nz for more news

Subscribe to robson-on-politics by fax to 04 472 7620 or email to matt.robson@parliament.govt.nzSimilarly to unsubscribe.

ENDS

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Gordon Campbell: On the Sony cyber attack

Given the layers of meta-irony involved, the saga of the Sony cyber attack seemed at the outset more like a snarky European art film than a popcorn entry at the multiplex.

Yet now with (a) President Barack Obama weighing in on the side of artistic freedom and calling for the US to make a ‘proportionate response’quickly followed by (b) North Korea’s entire Internet service going down, and with both these events being followed by (c) Sony deciding to backtrack and release The Interview film that had made it a target for the dastardly North Koreans in the first place, then ay caramba…the whole world will now be watching how this affair pans out. More>>