Australian Union should abide by the law in NZ Film Row

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) October 4, 2010 -- - MEDIA RELEASE –
SENATOR THE HON. ERIC ABETZ
Leader of the Opposition in the Senate
Shadow Minister for Employment & Workplace Relations
Liberal Senator for Tasmania

5th October 2010
Australian Union should abide by the law in NZ Film Row

“The industrial campaign targeting the production of the New Zealand film ‘The Hobbit’, being waged by the Australian Union, the Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance is threatening thousands of Australian and New Zealand film industry jobs,” Senator Abetz said today.

“Sir Peter Jackson put the New Zealand film industry on the map with the blockbuster trilogy, ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and now it seems that the actions of the MEAA, by blacklisting ‘The Hobbit’, threatens to derail the entire project,” Senator Abetz said.

“The actions taken by the MEAA may force the production out of the region entirely at a loss of hundreds of millions of dollars, sparking a feeding frenzy around the world from other countries which would be more than happy to make the film.”

“Nobody wants this project lost to the region and if the MEAA has concerns about its member’s entitlements, surely there are appropriate mechanisms that can be taken rather than blacklisting the project,” Senator Abetz said.

“Of concern are media reports today attributed to Sir Peter Jackson that he understands that, “Disney are no longer bringing movies to Australia because of the MEAA.”

“If, as it is also reported, this is an illegal blacklisting, and there are no apparent breaches of New Zealand law then I find the MEAA’s motives questionable.”

“I call upon Senator Chris Evans to intervene in his capacity as Minister to ensure this project is not lost and to safeguard the jobs of Australians employed in the film industry.” Senator Abetz said.



Media enquiries: David Allender (03) 6224 3707, 0457 590 881

www.abetz.com.au

film     Hobbit