[Greens-Media] Old Parties’ Commitment to Big Business is Dumb Economics: Greens

[Convenor, NT Greens]

Dr Michael Connard, Greens candidate for Casuarina, today announced the old
parties' commitment to big business over local small business is dumb
economics.

“The old parties keep an open door to big business when setting policy, but
shut out local small business,” Dr Connard said.

“This is dumb economics: by ignoring small business, we risk creating a
boom-bust economy.”

“Small business is essential for economic sustainability.”

“Take the Inpex project for example. Interstate operators received the
project contracts, despite early promises they would go to local small
businesses.”

“The Greens will consult small business when creating economic and urban
policy.”

“Local businesses don’t just provide economic sustainability, they help
build communities and improve liveability.”

“Here in Casuarina, we've seen two new suburbs in recent years exclude
zoning for local businesses.”

 “As part of our plan to build communities rather than just suburbs and
improve Darwin’s liveability, the Greens will ensure every suburb includes
mixed zones.”

“Every neighbourhood needs a corner shop, local business and facilities
like schools, community halls, childcare centres and open space.”



Media contact:

Dr Michael Connard

0438 734 784 | michael.connard at nt.greens.org.au



*Related media:*


http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/14/indigenous-workers-on-inpex-project-given-falsified-certificates-say-trainees



Overseas workers get priority for dredging:

http://www.localterror.com/local-workers-beached-as-inpex-dredging-dries-up/



*Greens and unions condemn concessions on visa requirements amid labour
shortage created by giant gas project*

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/aug/11/nts-ichthys-project-move-to-relax-457-visas-an-attack-on-young-unemployed



*The deputy leader of the Greens, Adam Bandt, said the government was
“forcing people to live in poverty or accept below award wages” by
excluding the Northern Territory from national labour laws. He said young
unemployed people in the Northern Territory would be competing with foreign
workers.*

http://adam-bandt.greensmps.org.au/content/media-releases/abbott-dances-gina-rinehart%E2%80%99s-tune-worker-exploitation