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

Thur 10 March 2005

Crisis in National caucus room

The Independent’s top story, ‘Crisis in Nats’, is of interest to those of us working for an historic third term progressive coalition government. Mr McCully must not stand down as the Nats’ strategist, however, because he is one of the Left’s secret weapons this election.

And is it correct that Jane Clifton is to speak at a John Banks’ revival meeting this weekend? What does Mr Peters say? What does Murray think?

http://www.theindependent.co.nz/story1.html

Investing in education brings economic benefits

My office was visited by a whirlwind last week in the form of Elizabeth Chan, a secondary student gaining work experience. Some in the Press Gallery were a little stunned when she delivered robson-on-politics with a cheery smile and a big ‘Hello’. It’s young people like Liz who we want to see benefit from having government meet loan repayments for graduates working in NZ. At Waikato University on Wednesday I told students that we are the small party that actually delivers and more investment in education is in our sights this election.

http://www.progressive.org.nz/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=1591

In Tamaki, give me your Party Vote

In Tamaki, I’m campaigning for voters’ party vote. John Banks was once close to the last of the big spenders (The Muldoon faction of National famously ran massive government deficits year after year and this government is still paying off the interest 25 years later.) If ACT names John Banks as an election candidate that will represent the final death knell of the ‘small state’ philosophy of ACT’s founding father, Roger Douglas.

It will mean ACT has surrendered completely on Sir Roger’s neo-liberal theories and will now chase the ‘get tough on DPB families’ and ‘lock more people in prison’ catchment of votes already being chased by the other ghosts of Muldoon: National, United and NZ First.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/index.cfm?c_id=1&ObjectID=10114350
http://www.progressive.org.nz/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=1159

In Kaikoura, Progressive wants your Party Vote

John Maurice is carrying the Progressive banner in Kaikoura this election. John has been driving trains for over 31 years between Christchurch and Kaikoura, he knows the electorate like the back of his hand.

John wants your party vote so that we can deliver another Labour-Progressive government that is strongly pro-regional development, will take the tough decisions on youth binge drinking and other youth drug problems, will invest more in tertiary students and will promote pro-jobs policies like a cut to the company tax rate.
"Train driver on track for Jim's party" - Marlborough Express
http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/marlboroughexpress/0,2106,3212015a6008,00.html

Most effective tool against youth drinking is?

I of course I agree with those that say expensive PR campaigns against youth binge drinking aren’t nearly enough. The international evidence is absolutely clear. The most effective single step our Parliament could take to turn the tide against the tragedy of young people drinking too much alcohol would be to raise the alcohol purchasing age back to twenty.

Other policies, like tough advertising rules and strong enforcement to protect minors from getting hold of alcohol are covered in my Members’ Bill and would also help. But nothing less than a full, strong, integrated strategy is needed. If any journalists would like to interview me about why Labour really needs Progressive again at the Cabinet table after the election, just call me.
http://www.progressive.org.nz/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=1594

Cut the company tax rate and help exporters

Right-wing parties proposing to substantially increase government borrowings in order to fund their pet voodoo ideas, like big income tax cuts for the rich are way off the mark. Haven’t they heard of the independent Reserve Bank?

The Right’s policies, if implemented, would see the Reserve Bank push mortgage rates up toward 15% for a tragic repeat to the ‘boom and bust’ policies that so badly hurt New Zealanders in the 1980s and 1990s.

Job-producing companies and exporters coping with the collapse of the U.S. dollar this year could, however, really do with Progressive’s proposed company tax cut.
http://www.progressive.org.nz/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=1430

Feedback requested

I need some more feedback from you. My question is: Why are so-called pro-families and pro-law and order parties (Nats, ACT, United, NZ First) so weak when it comes to getting tough on those who sell booze to kids? http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/timaruherald/0,2106,0a6010,00.html

More news stories are at http://www.progressive.org.nz

ENDS

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