robson-on-politics Thur 18 Aug

robson-on-politics, a newsletter from Matt Robson MP
Deputy Leader of the Progressive Party
www.progressiveparty.org.nz

National and allies have a lot to answer for

The results of a sting operation on liquor outlets in Opotiki are very frightening. What is going on in Bay of Plenty is an indictment of the 'liberal' liquor law enacted by the last National minority government.

I am in Mr. Ryall's territory today. He is the former National Minister in a Government which was renowned for being soft on the biggest law and order issue around.

Today I met with Police Inspector Pat Tasker, the Whakatane area commander. His officers are on the front line in the battle against the supply of alcohol to minors. On the weekend, his officers found that eight out of nine local outlets sold alcohol to underage youngsters.

Inspector Tasker told me his officers are regularly coming across 16 year olds that are drinking three to four boxes of beer a week. Young people are drinking on the streets regularly with 14 and 15 year olds addicted to alcohol and a lifestyle that revolves around alcohol.

This is social catastrophe, a public health issue and a law and order issue. The local crime rate is directly connect to the alcohol harm done by the supply of alcohol to young people. In the Youth Court, the majority of minors already have a dependency on alcohol.

The Select Committee looking at the Progressive Sale of Liquor (Youth Alcohol Harm Reduction) Amendment Bill must have the best evidence from Police across the country. They are the ones dealing with the harm being done under the present law. The Police are the people to tell us what is necessary to make good enforceable law.
http://www.progressiveparty.org.nz/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=2036

Progressive got the money for booze enforcement

Budget 2005 included $2 million so the Police can better enforce liquor licensing laws. The initiative, secured by Progressive, was one of a number of Progressive programmes which strengthen the campaign to reduce the harm caused by alcohol and other drugs.
While Progressive has got good things done to tackle demand and supply, we need more Progressive Party Votes on Sept. 17 to strengthen our hand inside the next Left coalition government.

It is Progressive which is driving this. It is our response to the needs of working families.

I can think of potential pet funding proposals by our allies that would be of far less importance than the priorities that Progressive MPs hope to bring to the 48th Parliament.
http://www.progressiveparty.org.nz/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=1778

Progressive Superannuation Policy

Progressive is campaigning on a platform that includes raising the floor of National Super and doing more to financially assist our retired citizens with their heating and medical costs, because it is right that everyone share in the gains from our economy's spectacular performance these past six years.

Progressive is campaigning for a $200 winter power supplement for superannuitants because we can't sit by while older people worry about turning on the heater because they're worried about the bill.

Just remember that a National-United Future-NZ First coalition government, which would borrow heavily overseas to fund very expensive income tax cuts for those that least need it, would invariably mean cuts in National Super - just as in the 1990s.
http://www.progressive.org.nz/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=2034

Introducing public servants to the people

Tonight, Jim will chair a public forum on alcohol and other drugs in Levin, the final of regular monthly public meetings that he has chaired, as Associate Health Minister, around the country since June 2004.

These public meetings get public servants fronting up in communities to not only outline what services are available at a local and national level, but also to hear first-hand how things might be improved from locals.

The National-United, National-NZ First and National- Mauri Pacific government (kept in power by ACT on confidence and supply) never thought to get public servants out there in communities meeting people in their own areas. Jim makes this happen, 7.30 p.m. - 9.30 pm Freyberg Lounge, Levin Memorial Hall, Queen St
http://www.progressive.org.nz/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=2032

Family Support Capitalization

Labour' 2005 targeted tax relief policy just announced fits in nicely with Progressive's Family Support Capitalization policy announced last November.
Progressive wants families to be able to capitalise their Family Support payments to create a deposit for their own home. That’s Something To Come Home To!

http://www.progressive.org.nz/modules.php?name=Sections&op=viewarticle&artid=103

ENDS

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