There has been such a neck break speed of action from the new Government on a whole bunch of fronts, it’s difficult to keep up with all the positive news, but it’s the National Party reaction to the new initiatives and ideas which deserve attention.
Manus Island: Australia has walked away from their racist torture camp on Manus Island and just left hundreds of refugees to be attacked by the resentful locals.
New Government response: We will take 150 of the refugees and offer $3million in immediate aid to help refugees who are currently in a humanitarian crisis.
National response: We are gutless and must never criticise our Australian Overlords. We should try and understand their racist torture gulags rather than embarrass them.
Suicide Prevention: Our suicide rate is a national disgrace, after year on year increases and after 9 years in power, National only admitted in July of this year that the suicide programmes weren’t working.
New Government response: The previous Government’s refusal to commit to a suicide prevention programme and underfunding of mental health has caused deaths and there will be a comprehensive response including an inquiry into mental health, a Mental Health Commissioner and far more funding into mental health.
National response: We will measure you against a suicide reduction target that we never were brave enough to actually implement ourselves because we are cowards who refused to acknowledge that our free market response was a complete failure.
Welfare reforms: The previous Government’s hateful neoliberal welfare culture has seen sadists employed to implement draconian and cruel policies.
New Government response: We are going to start dismantling that hateful and spiteful culture.
National response: But how can we be hateful and spiteful to poor people if you dismantle the policy that allows hate and spite?
Hobbit law reform: The previous Government rewrote employment law for a trans national corporation who managed to muscle them for more corporate welfare because National had spent enormous political capital to manufacture a crisis so as to attack the union movement.
New Government response: Yeah, nah. We aren’t going to allow domestic employment law written for rich corporates to stand.
National response: But Sir Richard Taylor called me and went cry cry on the phone so we decided to manufacture this into a populist attack on the Union movement and had to fork out millions in corporate welfare for the pleasure of that political smear. It would be mean of the new Government to re-write the law.
Justice for Pora: The Police framed a mentally slow young brown teenager paying bribes to prison narks and easily swayed estranged family members during a marathon questioning session so draconian that it was changed after the Teina Pora case.
New Government response: The pittance offered up by the previous Government was another injustice, let’s stop being dicks and give him some more money.
National response: But if we allow justice for one person, we might have to allow justice for others!
Paid Parental leave: The previous Government spitefully shot down increasing paid parental leave even after losing a majority vote in Parliament.
New Government response: We will increase it.
National response: Oh, now we aren’t in Government we will promise to increase it all of a sudden but the way Labour wants to implement it is ‘nanny state‘, which is funny because when we were forcing solo mums and their daughters to contraception classes and drug testing beneficiaries and investigating peoples relationships and punishing poor people for fake meth tests on houses, none of THAT was ‘nanny state’, but Labour extending paid parental leave is.
War crime investigation: There are serious allegations that SAS committed war crimes with the aid of the United States in a pay back killing spree which was personally authorised by John Key.
New Government response: Y-e-a-h, we’re going to need to have a wee briefing on that whole thing again thanks.
National response: You have to back the defence force when they commit war crimes, especially when they are signed off personally by our previous leader.
In every example, National’s response is bitter, angry, resentful and spiteful. On every issue they have spent 9 years making worse all they have as a response to the solution is more of the poisonous thinking that helped exacerbate the problem in the first place.
The naked reality is that National are unable to be part of the solution because they are such a fundamental part of the problem.
Great article.
agree 100% Martyn they were one of the most nasty, spiteful and greedy lot that have ever lead this country. And now we have their nasty, greedy and selfish supporters crying wolf cause they lost the election. Well they can get on their bikes and bugger of if they don’t like it here.
I agree
Yup, totally agree young Bombarino.
This is a terrific bonus for those of us on the side of goodness and niceness because there is nothing these National toe-rags can say or do that is NOT mean spirited or patronisingly entitled.
The more they respond the more they lock themselves into oppositional grinchdom.
Yay, the good guys!
Keep commenting Bill; please!
Well dane Martyn,
We vote for you to return back to Radio NZ my man.
To where you can be our hero espousing the truth to the whole country again.
Yuor comment above was spot on, as I was keyboarding blogs at 3.20 pm when a shrill angry vioce rabid came on screen on the parliament channel and i hadn’t looked uop but stiill had my head on the keyboard and this MP rattled on for as long as i could stand until I had to turnoff the sound as she was disturbing my thougt pprocess.
Then my wife came past the door and said “who was that”?
I sadly toold her it was a rabid dog that had lost its head, then said it looks lie the national MP’s are having a serious melt down now as it must be sinking in that for at least the next three years they are in opposition and have olost their power.
This MP was Paula Bennett, and she is truly so mad and her mmind is out of control, that even the deputy speaker had to stop her ranting.
That was a wicked sight you must see.
Paula Bennett cannot handle loosing all that power she had as she was freely abusing the public any time she felt like it before.
yes read the werst deputy leaders speech ever here, she was like a wild dog saying it all.
https://www.parliament.nz/en/pb/hansard-debates/rhr/combined/HansDeb_20171115_20171115_08
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• Hon PAULA BENNETT (Deputy Leader—National): Madam Deputy Speaker, I did hear you referred to consistently there as “Mr Speaker”, but I am delighted to see a woman Deputy Speaker in the House. I know Trevor Mallard’s not here, but can I please acknowledge his standing.
Ladies and gentlemen, what you just heard there was a man who has not transitioned to Minister of Finance. What we heard then was an angry student politician, ultimately. He didn’t actually have the gumption to get in there and sound like a new Minister of Finance, a man that’s proud of his new role, that’s grown into it, that feels the gravitas, actually, of such an important role. What we still heard was the kind of angry, bitter, Labour politician that wants to blame everyone else instead of standing up. Look, we heard consistently from Ms Ardern, from the Prime Minister, that what she wanted to see was positivity for New Zealand. She wanted those smiles. I just say, simply, to Grant Robertson: turn that frown upside down. You have made it to the Government benches; congratulations to you all, revel in the moment, but at least try to grow into the jobs, instead of still standing like you did three months ago, quite frankly, when you were standing on this side of the House.
So here we are in the 52nd Parliament, and it is a great honour to be here. Can I congratulate, particularly, all the new members that got sworn in. I see them from all sides of the House. It’s a buzz, yeah? I do remember that buzz, and it genuinely has been really interesting listening to maiden speeches, hearing you put your hearts on the line. For your families, actually, it’s something that’s really significant, and I know it is for you yourselves, so I do sincerely want to congratulate everyone. Make the most of it. John Key always used to say that there’s people that sort of talk about getting here, and perhaps have a wish that they might get here; you guys have, so be it, and be in it, and all the best to everyone, and that kind of thing. Obviously, I would rather be in Government. That’s the truth of it. You don’t campaign like we did. You don’t do what you do to actually go into Opposition, so I make no bones about it. But there’s a key thing here: we were not going to be in Government at any cost, and New Zealand First know that. Mr Peters, there’s a price that one pays, and we weren’t willing to pay that, so that’s kind of how things go.
As they say, it’s not whether or not throws you curve balls; it’s whether or not you’ve got the gumption to pick that ball up and throw it back, and this is going to be an incredibly strong Opposition. This is one that has convictions in what they stand for. This is 56 MPs who are here to make a difference, and we shall do that in Opposition as we did in Government. We look forward to the next few years as we play our role on behalf of the Queen in the role of being Her Majesty’s very faithful Opposition, and it’s something that we will take seriously.
So there’ve been many, many, many, many, many promises. We have heard the promises, and they have been rolling out—just heard another one. There they went again—they’ve said it before: eradicating homelessness. So let’s hold them to that on behalf of those people. We will remember, of course, that they had homeless people in motels back in the 2000s. That’s when women actually find themselves in violent circumstances need to leave, can’t find a house that day, and the State, in sticking up for them and looking after them, would at times put them into motels.
Well, we were told that was dreadful. It was OK when it was the previous Labour Government, absolutely dreadful when we did it, but now we’ve heard from Mr Twyford that it’s OK again because they’re in Government. So he’s going to keep using motels, by the way, and that’s OK. They won’t quite be eradicating, they’ll just be trying to make it better, but don’t actually hold them to too much account on it, because they’re not sure how they’re going to do it. They don’t actually have a target; it’s all just another wish list.
We’re going to have rail everywhere, we’re going to have zero emissions. Good on Dr Clark, he’s personally going to reduce suicide—which might be admirable, but, actually, I think it’s a slant on how complex the issue is. It takes more than one person, and it’s going to take something that is genuinely across a whole lot of people.
We’ve had a lot of rhetoric, we’ve had a lot of what it all sounds like, now we want to see real targets—we want to see what that looks like in practice. I think the smile might fade as good intentions hit the wall of reality. The smiles will start fading pretty damn quickly.
I’m suggesting they get organised. Cabinet committees are actually there for a reason, and they’re a damn good idea because it means you test things against them to make sure that you’ve got no unintended consequences—for example, like paid parental leave, where you could take an idea that actually is fair for families, instead of ramming down their throats what you believe should actually be raised—sorry, not you, of course, Madam Speaker, but those on the other side that are telling us that they know best how a family should work. So they know best that in that first couple of years where we hear from new mums and dads that they want to be with their partner and spend in the bonding time and see that—why shouldn’t we actually support them to decide how to split paid parental leave?
Jami-Lee Ross: How does Sue Moroney feel?
Hon PAULA BENNETT: It’s a good idea that’s come up. Yeah, Sue Moroney, who was a member that pushed this for many, many years actually supports the idea that partners should be able to take some of that leave so that they can decide how it works for their families. But don’t worry, Labour knows best on how it works! They will dictate exactly how that happens.
If they’d actually had a select committee process, which we were lectured about repeatedly from that side of the House—about how important it was, and that due process for even a week would count, we were told repeatedly. Well, if they meant that, send it to select committee. Let’s toss this around. Let’s really work out what’s best for those women, for those children, for those dads, for those same-sex partners—what really matters the most to their family unit.
I only hope they take some advice, because they’ve been taking a little bit. We see that Mr Hipkins has taken some now on national standards—not such a bad idea now. They’re OK, so that’s good—that’s good. Now we’re hoping they take some advice on partnership schools. I will not have that Prime Minister stand up and lecture us on vulnerable children and what needs to be done without looking after some of our most vulnerable young people that are actually learning in an environment that works for them. Can I commend even some members of this House who are part of the partnership schools and how they work recognising individuals—the different way that those kids learn, and how important that is for them. Instead of being ideological and dissing a good idea, I hope they take some advice and listen to what needs to be done.
Can I just say how disappointing it was, not so much on day one, that the Government made a mistake—they didn’t know their numbers, it’s as clear as that. They did not know if they had the numbers. We all make mistakes and it was their day one, and I get that. What was a real shame, after lecturing us repeatedly on how much better and more principled this Government was going to be, that the first thing they did was spin it. The first thing they did was actually walk out of here and not tell the utter truth. If they’d done that, Mr Hipkins, and simply stood there and said “We made a bit of a mistake. We’ll never make it again.”, I reckon the public would have given them a bit of kudos for it. But instead, they proved themselves to be absolutely as flawed as the rest of us. Welcome to the real world, but you should have had the guts to actually stand up and prove it and say it, is what I say to it.
Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! I don’t like to interrupt, but the member knows well that that is not Parliamentary.
Hon PAULA BENNETT: I didn’t mean to offend, but got a bit carried away there.
Can I say as well that we are going to be holding this Government to account for all of those promises. We want to see those targets really in place. Let’s put some real numbers on it. Let’s see intergenerational welfare, families in it for decades, not just the last three, four, five, even nine years, but actually decades; families that have been falling into traps of poverty and traps of welfare dependence—let’s see you get into the heart of what the real issues are instead of spreading money around and merely hoping that you throw it to the right person that does the right thing with it. It has hard, complex work. There are systems in place. I hope you take advice. I hope you take a breath. I hope you look at the things that are working and not throw them out just because you ideologically believe that you know so much better than anybody else.
So I end on wishing this 52nd Parliament that it be robust; that we have a contest of ideas; that we don’t ever lose sight that it is about New Zealanders and not just everyone passionately being right but doing it well. Thank you.
• Hon TIM MACINDOE (National—Hamilton West): I raise a point of order, Madam Speaker. I waited until the deputy leader of the National Party had finished her speech, but I noticed that when you interrupted her in order to take her to task for inappropriate language, the clock on the wall didn’t stop counting down. Can you just clarify: is it expected that that would happen?
Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: It is at the Speaker’s direction.
Bennett suggesting that the new coalition government is as flawed as the National Party is hugely offensive, as is most of this appalling disjointed rant from the deputy leader of a party which not only failed to address societal problems, but caused many of them.
So, brief summary of Bennett’s speech.
1. I’d rather be in government. But I’m not. Sucks.
2. You shits got in instead of us, and I’m going to blame Winston Peters for that, and then accuse you of selling out. Because I’m bitter and spiteful.
3. Stop trying to undo all the nasty shit we’ve done over the past nine years. It’s really annoying.
4. All that stuff we vetoed, shot down, ignored or dismissed out of hand? Yeah, that’s actually some good shit, and you should do it! Right now! Go on! We’d do it if we were in government! But we’re not. Sucks.
5. *cue massive hypocrisy explosion*
Paula Bennett said:
“He didn’t actually have the gumption to get in there and sound like a new Minister of Finance, a man that’s proud of his new role, that’s grown into it, that feels the gravitas, actually, of such an important role.”
That’s a bit rich, given her previous comment regarding her role as Minister for Environment:
“I’m Climate Change Minister and all that sort of stuff.”
Yeah, that sounds about as much like a minister who feels the gravitas of their role as I resemble a male model with perfect teeth and hair.
It is the role of the Loyal Opposition to hold the government to account.
The fact of the matter is that Labour has started off really badly: Shooting itself in the foot on every possible occasion. It is gold for the Nats.
Can’t count their MPS sitting in parliament
Virtue signalling over Manus Island – an issue that has nothing to do with NZ. And the subsequent smack-down by the Aussie government.
A back down on the Kermadec sanctuary
A back down on the use of cameras to monitor commercial fishing boats
Definitely GST on internet purchases, and then maybe not
There’s more to add to the list – but its hard to keep track!
OAndrew you failed to mention that you are very proud that National did not back down on our ever increasing suicide rates, never backed down on their housing crisis, never backed down on their corrupt practises, never built any bridges for Northland, never backed down from increasing poverty etc etc etc.
And you wonder why they never made it back into Government?, then clearly they are also cognitively impaired.
What we are now seeing is an extension of their vile cesspit of arrogance. The fact that they chose a vile sheila from the west to be deputy leader sums it up beautifully for me and no doubt more to come on her background in the future.
Well go and read the crap that’s spouted on Stuff theyĺl be able to help you keep track, although they’re still going on about how unfair the election out come is.
Nine years of do nothing National,I’m pleased for New Zealand that National is out of office. Mind you they’re full of ideas now they’re the opposition, it will do National good to be out in the cold, they may be even get a handle on their born to rule arrogance.
You know that when a right wing fanatic spouts abuse of a Labour lead government, then that Government is doing a great job, clearly because it’s policies address the needs of all New Zealanders.
Excellent Martyn. I have been waiting for someone to point out how negative these Natz have been in opposition so far. If they can keep it up I will rejoice in their exposure of how terrible a Government they were !
Tory pigs are always the same the world over….they have a tiny wee brain……with a tiny conscience…and teeny tiny understanding of humanity or anything decent…….enjoy opposition!!!
Its really is interesting times now those miserable pricks are in opposition and as the slime of the National Party’s time in power is removed there will be all sorts of skeletons found hidden.
For now, there is a white noise of hysteria from the Nats and their supporters.
But the fact they have dusted off “Nanny State” is so retro and desperate that it beggars belief.
everything is complex to the gnats what a load of bull is that there excuse for ruining our country and all the lies and they actually believe there own spin.
Absolutely spot on there Martyn. A brilliant piece of journalism.
Natz are still the vicious, venomous spitting reptiles in opposition, as they were in government. Toxic to the core in every respect, condemning everything that is fair, decent, kind and humane, being put forward by a caring government.
Natz MPs really exposing themselves as the callous, cruel low life monsters they really are. And how anyone could possibly support this sort of representation, is totally beyond me!
“New Government response: We will take 150 of the refugees and offer $3million in immediate aid to help refugees who are currently in a humanitarian crisis.”
It’s not a “New Government response” at all. This is the continuation of a National policy (which Jacinda obviously agrees with). I personally think Jacinda should drop this one like the hot potato it is. I’d love to see a poll on what percentage of Labour (even Green) voters want to see 150 Muslims with extremely dubious origins welcomed into NZ. It has nothing to do with “xenophobia” either, but everything to do with the potential these folks have of successfully integrating in any way shape or form into NZ (i.e. Western) society.
Nothing the National party does shocks or surprises me any more.
They are behaving like they are still the government.
Post traumatic stress at losing authority and relevance it is looking like to me , i have never seen Maggie Barry looking so dejected.
The arrogant smirking has been temporarily wiped for the time being.
Perfect summation Bomber.
And thank you Mr Peters.
Gordon Campbell on Nationals ” nanny state ”
http://werewolf.co.nz/2017/11/gordon-campbell-on-the-centre-rights-love-of-the-nanny-state-label/
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