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National not international

Scrooge is out, it must be coming up to Christmas
The National Party is questioning why taxpayer funding is being used to train coal miners in China on safety issues.

The party's industrial relations spokeswoman, Kate Wilkinson, said Labour Department officials confirmed to MPs on Parliament's transport and industrial relations select committee that $84,711 had been granted to the Council of Trade Unions (CTU) for "safety training for safety representatives in Chinese coal mines".

..She said it appeared as if the Government was effectively subsidising the Chinese coal industry. "How does that square with Labour's position on carbon neutrality and greenhouse gases?"

She said the money would be better spent on workplace safety issues in New Zealand.
China are certainly rich and capable enough to spend their own money on their own people. But they don't. China has an appalling safety record when it comes to miners. I for one, do not begrudge this small amount of money (and apparently expertise) that was provided to help improve worker safety. I doubt the money would be better spent in NZ on worker safety - given we already do heaps.

If National are going to govern, they have to discern the difference between genuine charity and total wastage. I post this because National will undoubtedly shrug off any criticism from the left as many on the left would criticize regardless. Maybe they'll think twice in the future if they detect more widespread displeasure?

Related Link: National's Cheap Shot

Comments

  1. "..She said it appeared as if the Government was effectively subsidising the Chinese coal industry. "How does that square with Labour's position on carbon neutrality and greenhouse gases?"


    Yeah good one.

    Not forgetting China is projected to build another 200 coal fired power stations!

    There's a real appalling attitude to safety in China.

    ReplyDelete
  2. If that was my tax dollar, i'd have something to say about it, especially when you folks are owing millions because of Kyoto.

    ReplyDelete

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