All right, the longer I put this off, the more likely I will release the considerable energy locked up in my atoms in the form of some kind of explosion.
First up, here's a little missive I recently sent to one of our representative geese in the Senate.
By the way, if you also would like to contact this gentleman - go for it: senator.fielding@aph.gov.au
Now, what else has been happening?
First up, here's a little missive I recently sent to one of our representative geese in the Senate.
Dear Senator FieldingAhhhh. I feels good to rant again.
Regarding your recent opposition to the Government’s alcopops tax increase, I need to ask you a question: Are you serious? Actually, since I’m from Victoria and you theoretically represent Victoria, I need to ask another one: Are you for real?!?
I thought you and your Christian Brothers were all for reducing excessive alcohol consumption, particularly in relation to our youth. These sugary drinks are now expected to drop in price by $2 each, which can only encourage increased consumption.
Although it may not have gone as far as you would like, the Government’s tax increase was basically good policy (in light of the existing taxation of alcohol, anyway). Apart from directly targeting these types of drinks, it was actually fixing up a discrepancy between the taxation of full spirits and these spirit-based drinks. Plus there were the extra measures added after negotiations with the Greens and Nick Xenophon (who I think is your one-eyebrowed baby). It was what is known as a no-brainer.
Demanding that all alcohol advertising be removed from sporting broadcasts, seemingly on a whim, from nowhere, MAY be good policy. But that needs to looked at carefully. Policy on the run is never good.
In addition, do I need to point out that the Government got many, many more votes than you? Of course, the fact that the ALP’s preferences got you in IS pretty funny, isn’t it?
Unfortunately, you’re also looking a little bit funny, now, too. Bit of a joke, you know? It's not just me; see, for example, "Imbalance of power" in The Age on 22 March and "Lower alcopops levy lets us drink to a simpler tax system" in The Australian on 26 March (if you don't read that one, you were referred to as a "goose"). This petulant foot-stamping has probably done your cause more harm than good.
We could also blame the Opposition who voted against the measure en masse for apparently no reason, but you’ve become the scapegoat in this charade. People like a scapegoat.
Anyway, um, best of luck.
Regards
Riley
By the way, if you also would like to contact this gentleman - go for it: senator.fielding@aph.gov.au
Now, what else has been happening?
