5 minute read
Veterans call for 'people power' election drive
Report by Fred Krausert, National President of MUA Veterans, on behalf of the National Executive.
This report is an appeal to all MUA members, retired members, families, and friends. In the political arena we face, on so many unfriendly fronts a government that has done nothing but attack the people they are supposed to represent.
I am no longer a member of the ALP, but I am a realist and know that we don’t always get what we want from politics. However, I do understand politics and know that if we don’t change this “anti- people” government we will never recover from the damage they have inflicted upon us.
Just look at the way they keep on attacking us through the various laws they have introduced; and the deals done with overseas big business and their partners that have us on the back foot all the time.
I want an Australia that will give our future generations an “Aussie Fair Go”, not just one class that has it all and believes we can all go to hell. These parasites take from our country but never contribute to it – and pay no tax.
Now I would like to address the pensioners, the unemployed and the hardships they suffer.
Once again, we are starting a New Year with so many conversations regarding Covid and all the illness and dying it brings. Our government has completely failed to address the emergency situations as they arise. All they seem to be able to do is lie and play the blame game. There is no national direction with each State running its own course.
How are we ever going to navigate through a pandemic or any situation when we only have a “blame game” government and no united front? So many chances have been lost. There has been no forward planning and no direction given. For example, testing was late in coming and is confusing.
The German Government says their nuclear power stations will all be permanently shut down by 2030; and they will permanently decommission the seven oldest ones which were switched off following the Fukushima disaster. They will turn their backs on nuclear power and more broadly embrace wind and solar energy generation.
However, the Australian government is doing deals with the USA and the UK to procure nuclear powered submarines; and with the USA to supply oil. No deals or agreements to procure merchant ships or tankers –the life blood of this country.
Since the inception of this coalition government the people have been under constant attack. The Coalition ignores the homeless, small business and the hundred thousand children who go without proper food, care, and shelter.
The lack of public housing and affordable rental properties is not being addressed and is an indictment on the Morrison government. The situation would be much worse were it not for those good people who on a day-to-day basis work to support those in need. This pandemic has highlighted the enormous amount of stress our front-line workers are suffering to the point it is affecting their health.
Labor leader Anthony Albanese recently announced Labor’s shipping policy which includes the return of Australian ships, manned by Australian crews, carrying Australian cargoes. Joy to our ears, we say. At the same time, he also said they would deliver a fast train service between Sydney and Newcastle.
I do not have to address our concerns regarding the shipping campaign. I am a great believer that “a face-to-face campaign” pays off – look at our win over WorkChoices which resulted in Howard losing his seat. We can do it again; the ACTU and the whole union movement must get behind the campaign to change this government.
FRED KRAUSERT
We can do this with people power, speaking at shopping centers, regional shows like AgQuip and wherever we are needed. I believe if we do it this way, we stand a good chance of winning the people over. There are 4.2 million pensioners in Australia and not one tenth of them would have a computer, so a face-to-face campaign is a must. There will be more in the coming months from our campaign team – but we must start planning now.
Comrades, our health system is under attack. Funding for clinics has ceased and doctors are unable to service the public sector. This Coalition government has cut Medicare and these attacks will continue if Morrison’s team is reelected. The ALP has promised to restore Medicare to its fullest capacity.
The ALP also says that under Labor, Australians studying in an industry with a skills shortage will be supported with free TAFE. They also plan to create more university places.
On January 1, 2022, the government’s revamped reverse mortgage scheme now known as the Home Equity Access Scheme (HEAS) came into being. It is still the same old evil con job. Unfortunately, some seniors’ groups have fallen for it – but we ask that you be wary. If there is an outstanding loan at the time of your death, the amount will usually be recovered from your estate. Interest will continue to accrue until the loan is repaid. The main change is the interest rate reduction from 4.5% to 3.95%.
I conclude with the cashless debit card. The government has said it does not want to introduce it for all who receive a government payment. I do not believe the government is being honest about this card – more likely it will be high on their agenda should they be re-elected again.
Comrades, I call on all of you to please support the people of Australia and our unions to elect a federal Labor government this year. You can volunteer for your local ALP MP or candidate here: https://www.alp.org.au/volunteer
We may be retired from the workplace – but never the struggle. •
