‘No’ government

You reported that MP David Bennett was against a rapid rail link to Auckland for Hamilton. If this were so it were a grievous fault, but I hope a mistake. But if not it is just in line with what seems to be a blanket NO to all suggestions from this increasingly arrogant government. Just look at last week as proof.

The Government has long known about the non-payment of any NZ taxation by multinationals such as Apple but Minister Judith Collins was not inclined to take urgent action.

Widespread public protest about bottling of public water for sale by private companies got dismissed by Nick Smith as the amount was so small. So a NO on that one.

Serious complaints about ‘‘drip pricing’’ where a quoted base price on a website then has several extra items added. Australia is taking action on this but the Minister responsible said consumer legislation covers this so NO action would be taken.

The Abortion Law Commission recommendation that NZ’s abortion laws be reviewed had a predictable response from Bill English: ‘‘There will be no review as that would mean making it more liberal.’’

Then children’s vaccination. A clear lead shown by Australia that if parents didn’t have their children vaccinated they couldn’t get child-care support. But Health Minister Jonathan Coleman said that approach wouldn’t be taken here. So despite health professionals requesting a compulsory policy the response was once again no.

This government has become a No Government which is usually a sign of a tired government running out of ideas.

But where is the alternative?

Russell O Armitage

Hamilton