The Supercity legislation imposed on Auckland without referendum, ECan abolished, the 90-day law imposed on workers without a select committee process, CERRA slammed through making Gerry Brownlee dictator, The Rugby World Cup Empowering Act, and, now, the Hobbit Enabling Act to be rushed through today because a foreign corporate (supposedly) demanded it. National does not care about democracy, our political and economic rights are just inconveniences in their eyes.
“The obvious relief that the two Hobbit movies will be made in New Zealand will be somewhat tempered by the fact that the Government has buckled and increased tax write-offs for large-budget films, benefiting Warner Bros by up to $20 million.
On top of that, the company walks away from what insiders say were tough negotiations with another $13.4 million to offset the films’ marketing costs.
Far more unseemly, however, is the Government’s kowtowing to Warner Bros and agreeing to put legislation before Parliament as soon as today to clarify the distinction between “independent contractors” and “employees” as it relates to the local film industry.
Not only that. The legislation will be passed straight through all its stages, which means no select committee scrutiny.
What kind of a country, however, sells its democratic soul for 30 pieces of silver?”
The answer is a craven one run by a snivelling little money man who has no loyalty to New Zealand and the rights we have fought so hard to win. Whether Key has sold our sovereignty to foreign big business, or National is just exploiting this situation to attack workers, the result is the same: workers lose, big business wins, and democracy is overridden by those with the cheque books.
Let us not forget that an old mate of Key’s was in the Warners negotiating team.
A great comment coming off Armstrong’s article sums up what kind of country National is turning us into:
“FOR SALE, cheap: New Zealand. No offer (or demand) refused. Need an inconvenient law changed? Want some tax breaks? Mr Key is your man. Want to buy some land? How much do you want?”
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