8. KEITH LOCKE (Green) Link to this
to the Minister for Economic Development
Why is his Government intending to change industrial relations law under urgency instead of through the normal parliamentary process?
Hon GERRY BROWNLEE (Minister for Economic Development) Link to this
Because it will ensure the incomes of many hundreds, if not thousands, of New Zealanders and will lead to a very large contribution to the overall economy.
Why is the Minister, in legislation as he has presented it, overturning a decision of the Supreme Court from 2005 at the request of Warner Bros?
Hon GERRY BROWNLEE Link to this
I have not presented the legislation to the House, nor has Warner Bros made that request.
Will the Government’s readiness to acquiesce to Warner Bros’ demands encourage other overseas film companies to push for more tax breaks and expect the Government to take their side in disputes with local workers; if not, why not?
Hon Trevor Mallard Link to this
Is it the Government’s intention to bring legislation to the House to amend the Large Budget Screen Production Grant Scheme to incorporate the enhancements that the Prime Minister agreed to yesterday?
Hon GERRY BROWNLEE Link to this
Work is being undertaken to determine whether it is a legislative change or a policy change.
Would our pride in the Hobbit movie being produced in New Zealand not be enhanced if we knew that our actors were guaranteed the same right as their counterparts in other Western countries to collectively press their claims for decent pay and working conditions?
Hon GERRY BROWNLEE Link to this
I think the questioner misunderstands how the industry works in New Zealand and assumes that people engaged on these productions are poorly treated. They are not.
I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. My question was not about whether actors were poorly treated by their employers. My question asked whether they had the right to collectively press their claims for decent pay and working conditions. The Minister did not answer that question.
Mr SPEAKER