The week that was

September 4, 1991
Issue 

By Kevin Healy

A shattering week, because my unflappable faith in the sanctity of market forces and initiative was somewhat flapped. A Spencer Street Foul Facts/Sore Wick poll showed that 54% of True Blue Aussies With the Big Red Heart don't believe that a prosperous and fair society depends on market forces. A further 17% had no idea, leaving but 29% true believers.

What a fickle, ungracious bunch these True Blue Aussies with — well, I think we may be forced to question their True Blueism. After all these years of the great benefits of market forces and personal initiative, of real freedom and social advance, of the egalitarian wonders of capitalism, these people still think that minor disadvantages like unemployment, gross wealth and gross poverty, inequity and lack of access to basic services somehow reflect on the great qualities of this system.

The other worrying report this week was the attack by Commiealco — perhaps it's time to change its name — and Alco, the two beaut transnational companies that control the True Blue Aussie aluminium market — or, as they would say, the aluminum market — on the treacherous Victorian government plan to allow a third transnational to operate.

As Commiealco's chief executive, Nick Stumped-by-it-all, explained, "If that happens there will be a price war". In other frightening words, the great benefits of market forces and competition, which we're told are so good for us, would come into play. "For Christ's sake", Stumped-by-it-all went on, "we might be forced to charge reasonable prices".

One of the better items tucked away in the Victorian budget, that magnificently compassionate document, was a huge state loss on the Portland aluminium/aluminum plant. This may sound strange, since the private consortium partners are making massive profits from the whole thing. But the good news is that the people of Victoria are picking up the massive costs of subsidising the power supply, and as the good companies have pointed out, if the government ever thought seriously of suggesting the consortium partners meet the real costs of power, then they would just have to close the whole thing down and take their business somewhere else where the government is more understanding of their needs and recognises their invaluable contribution to the economy.

And wasn't it comforting to read that full-page ad this week from the Coode Island chemical company which was just so thankful that the effect of the fire on people and property — presumably much more thankful on the latter — was minimal. Apparently all those people who poured into local doctors, health

centres and public hospitals with all sorts of eye, ear, nose and throat problems were just aberrations.

Even though the expensive full-page ad was just so the company could say how relieved and thankful it was that the effects were so minimal, it did manage to point out that the chemical industry was vital to our economy,and "to close Coode Island when there is no clear alternative would be devastating to Victorian manufacturing and employment". See — all they care about is providing good, safe, decent jobs for the masses. That sort of thing maintains and/or restores your faith in capitalism and market forces and freedom, doesn't it!

You need Green Left, and we need you!

Green Left is funded by contributions from readers and supporters. Help us reach our funding target.

Make a One-off Donation or choose from one of our Monthly Donation options.

Become a supporter to get the digital edition for $5 per month or the print edition for $10 per month. One-time payment options are available.

You can also call 1800 634 206 to make a donation or to become a supporter. Thank you.