hansard, page-4

As a NZer and CNM holder I cannot fathom why the Aus Govt is sending out cheques to low income earners many of whom are long term bludgers rather than providing grants to companies that may generate wealth and jobs. Credit crisis is about living beyond means this is not solved via one off cheques either living standards fall, or you need to raise incomes preferably combination of both. I do some work in Aus taxi driver stated local "pensioners" (beneficiaries in NZ) are excited about Dec 8, stated they've seen it all before states they will be busy loading taxi with alcohol and what he described as "Chinese presents" explained further as "cheap shit that breaks after you've used it once". Great way to stimulate economy for 2 weeks and load up already stretched Emergency Departments with alcohol related injuries, domestic violence victims etc.