Publications
Swan's monthly hypocrisy
MEDIA RELEASE
Wayne Swan's essay in The Monthly magazine, published today, reveals breathtaking hypocrisy, says James Paterson, Editor of the Institute of Public Affairs Review.
In his essay, Mr Swan attacks vested interests, such as mining companies, and claims that they are ‘undermining our equality and threatening our democracy.'
‘It seems any opposition to the government's agenda is intolerable for Mr Swan', says James Paterson.
‘In a free and open society, mining companies, community groups or individuals should be absolutely free to respond to actions by government which threaten their interests, including through massive new taxes.
‘The public is competent enough to judge the competing claims through public debate.
‘Of course, when the vested interests aligned with his own self-interest, with the union movements' 2007 anti-Workchoices campaign, Wayne Swan was an enthusiastic supporter - and beneficiary.
‘The cost of the union movement's combined campaign to defend their vested interests cost $30 million in 2007-08. By contrast, mining companies spent just $22 million in their campaign against the government's massive tax grab in 2010.
‘Of course, the union movement was entitled to defend the interests of its members in 2007, just as mining companies were entitled to defend the interests of their shareholders and employees in 2010. But Wayne Swan's double standards reveal his hypocrisy and the emptiness of his essay,' says Mr Paterson.
For media and comment:
James Paterson Editor, IPA Review 0423 502 147 or jpaterson@ipa.org.au