We need a government that gives a f*ck

• James Henderson
• 12 years ago
• Categories: jobs

The paper mill at Kawerau is halving its production, and its workforce. Another hundred plus jobs gone.

Meanwhile, Norske Skog, which owns the mill, is expanding production at its paper mill in Tasmania. The expansion, part-paid for with government money will allow Australia to produce its own glossy catalogue paper, rather than importing it.

What’s the difference?

In Australia, the government is investing in local production and local jobs to substitute imports.

Here, our government doesn’t give a fuck.

I’m not saying its the government’s job to protect every single existing jobs. But it should be working to boost manufacturing to replace imports. A good start would be a monetary policy to create a lower exchange rate so that our exporters and domestic producers can compete against offshore producers here and abroad.\

But they won’t even consider doing anything.

Just watch: when they’re asked about these latest jobs losses today, watch for the excuses and the indifference. It’s the same every time jobs are lost. Just as it’s the same every time poverty comes up.