Tales from the Crypt: Rogernomics and Ruthanasia reappear
Today Elliot Crossan, author and activist with System Change Aotearoa, is talking with The Frontline about neoliberalism's original grandparents: Roger Douglas and Ruth Richardson. They destroyed our social safety net 40 years ago, and started the movement that saddled us with ACT and David Seymour, and they ain't done yet. Like our current government, they were the worst of their generation, and like this one too, they created social and economic damage that would go on to affect the average New Zealander for decades to come.
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48:43
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48:43
Poverty, prison, and Foetal alcohol spectrum disorder: An ignored problem affecting far too many NZ children
Clinical psychologist and public health expert Dave (Bear) Hookway-Kopa tells us about a problem, FASD, which currently affects more than 1 in every 65 people in New Zealand. FASD is associated with problems reasoning, considering consequences, and controlling one's emotions. FASD increases the chance of ending up in prison by 2,000%. Yet corporate-favouring governments continue to side with the alcohol corporations and against public health advice. Not surprising given that alcohol revenues are measured in billions of dollars. That kind of power and political influence doesn't sneak through the back door: it boldly walks in through the front.
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1:07:53
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1:07:53
Rogernomics, privatisation, and your taxes: Haven't we tried this already? A conversation with Terry Baucher
Tax consultant Terry Baucher takes us through Sir Roger Douglas's recent proposal to 'save' the NZ economy. We touch on issues of wealth inequality, the retirement age, the potential collapse of superannuation, housing unaffordability, privatisation, and regressive taxes that hit the poor and spare the rich. If you think taxes are boring, think again.
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54:12
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54:12
Women's Pay Equity has been gutted: are you one of the 300,000 women (and men!) affected?
Melissa Ansell-Bridges, the National Secretary of the CTU, spoke with me about the far-reaching impacts the destruction of the Pay Equity laws will cause. It's not just about the 150,000 women immediately affected. It's about the 300K people whose incomes will be impacted. And it's not just about 2025, it's about financial injuries that will literally continue on for a decade. It's cooked.
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41:50
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41:50
Firecracker: Justine Sachs talks about Nurse Understaffing
Justine Sachs is a healthcare trade unionist based in Tamaki Makaurau. Speaking about the need for Labour to be bold to save our public health system.
Frontline Kiwi workers are struggling to pay for food and rent, while politicians are giving away billions to the very rich. Public services are being cut back, privatised, and sold off. This is not how you build a stronger, healthier, or safer society. It’s time to stop the vandalism and rebuild NZ.
Join Dr Gary Payinda and guests on The Frontline.
New Zealand