What if we had a better government? One that has dedicated its term in office to addressing all the social, economic, and environmental challenges we face as a nation. One who does not govern for the wealthy or big business, but for the ‘99%’. One whose policies do not inflict hardship on the poor, the elderly, the unemployed or refugees, but whose policies offer them help and hope. One who is step with the modern world, not lagging behind it. If we had such a government – an alternate to what we currently have – what might the ‘alternate’ Prime Minister say in his or her New Year’s address to the nation? Marcus Champ has prepared that address. All we need now is a prime minister and a government worthy of it.
Alternative Prime Minister’s 2017 New Year Message
Welcome to 2017.
When I look back on the achievements from last year I and filled with a sense of not just achievement but also of pride in the great changes and the challenges we have overcome and the simple hard work we have done together.
Starting with our social agenda, I am sure you would all agree we have laid the foundation for a more just, equal, open and stronger society for everyone. From ensuring everyone has the same right for their relationships to be recognised by the state, to the reforms that have been implemented in terms of closing casinos, bringing an end to the scourge of poker machines and the corruption of so many of our beloved sporting institutions by betting.
We have also made reforms to the social support net that will start with the dignity and welfare of those that need it, while also operating on a rigorous evidence based foundation to ensure our social programs not only work, but deliver the help to those that need it when they need it.
To that end we also have implemented a basic income support mechanism that both simplifies and rationalises thousands of separate programs, with simplified rules for entitlement and phased cut-offs for those that get back on their feet and no longer need the help.
We have also opened discussions with the First Australians to finally sign a treaty and bring to an end the terrible stains from the past and build a new future we can all be proud of. Furthermore, we have closed the off-shore camps and brought an end to the most recent stain on the nation’s character … with further reforms to the how asylum seekers are processed, housed, and treated to enable everyone’s right to a happy and safe existence.
The biggest reform, however, and the one that underpins our entire social agenda is jobs for all … with everyone who can work being provided the opportunity for meaningful employment, whether that is in the new infrastructure projects such as: the new rail freight corridors connecting the major capitals; the massive expansion of CSIRO and Australian Space industries investment; the revolution in our power infrastructure as we move to 100% renewables; the expansion and strengthening of our ABC; an NBN for the 22nd century with fibre to the premises for every household across the land; the new no-frills national banking system; or the national water grid.
In terms of transforming the economy it has also been a very busy period, with the Banking Royal Commission delivering their verdict and my promise to implement reforms that will transform our financial system from the systemic risk of today to one that actually supports the economy by connecting monetary resources to individuals, families and businesses that need it at a world’s best cost. Part of this will also mean making changes to superannuation with more being directed to people’s retirement through increased compulsory contributions, abolition of negative gearing, and negotiations with the states to end stamp duty and payroll taxation for taxes that enable the economy.
An economy is one that works for the people, not corporations or budgets … and with this initiative and others we have started that reform process. It is also important for everyone to realise the government does not work like a household and these things can be done if we apply all our creativity, our industry and our people to achieve them.
Talking about taxation, I am very proud to say that hundreds of Australia’s top companies are finally making their contribution to the roads, rail, hospitals, health care, and schools that they have long profited from with tax haven loop holes closed and reforms to rules around depreciation and write-offs. We have also ended the billions of dollars of subsidies that have been largely funneled to foreign companies such as subsidised fuel, exploration rights, and infrastructure.
In terms of the most significant challenges of our time – climate change – the revolution of economy has begun. Not only via renewable energy, but also the agreement with Tesla to start the production of Australia’s first electric vehicles that will completely replace the government fleet as well as be put on sale direct to the public. We are going to invest in bio-fuels, distributed power future proof vs any storm, and a solar industry that can export to the world using our already strong capacity and capability in this area.
Lastly, a key part of the reform process is changing the very nature of the Australian state by transforming our system to a republic. I for one will never bow to a non-Australian head of state, particularly one who’s legitimacy is decided by privilege as opposed to the will of the people.
There have already been a number of significant changes to how our democracy works … with total bans on all foreign contributions, real-time reporting of any donation over $500.00, banning all corporate donations, and never again allowing ministers to swap their allegiance based on lucrative foreign or private sector positions as has been seen only too much recently.
We have also started the process of clawing back entitlements and perks for ministers who leave politics for such positions and all ministerial perks are under review by independent panels. As part of this process we have also banned a number of major accounting houses from any work with the government due to their poor record of performance, conflicts of interest, and poor records in terms of self regulation.
Becoming a republic, however, is key milestone to strengthening our democracy and taking our country forward.
We have achieved so much but there is so much more to do. I am sure you can appreciate their is simply not enough room to list everything that needs to be progressed but I want to assure all Australians this government is building a future everyone can be proud of.
Now join me on the roof parliament house today as a “wall” that symbolises fear, uncertainty and exclusion has been erected around the very heart of our democracy, needs to be removed and by so doing purged from our nation’s character.
Regards
The Prime Minister
This article was submitted jointly to The AIMN and to The Political Sword
You can follow Marcus on Twitter @OzMyHomeMAC
