Governor General's Speech 2016

The Governor General's Speech is a speech given by Governor General Harry Pearce after the 2016 General Election, calling for a Democratic Labour Party - Atlantean Liberal Party coalition government.

## Text

“As Governor General, I sit before this Senate - the first Senate in over a generation to have been democratically elected - to announce the Government of Atlantis’ agenda for this year. However, before we address the legislative agenda, I first wish to express my heartfelt joy at democratic processes returning to this country. What we have seen is a nation engage in a huge show of democratic strength and national solidarity. From it, we have emerged stronger, more together, more transparent, and with far more opportunities than ever before.

“It goes without saying that it was a hard-fought campaign by all parties. At times it was messy and gritty, and at other times it was beautiful, but it is all this combined that creates a strong, healthy, vibrant democracy which I can safely say that Atlantis now possesses.

“I sit before a Senate chamber filled with honourable people. Honourable people who, I believe, have a single intention. To make this nation greater than it ever has been. Over the coming days, weeks, months and years we will witness just that...or so I hope. This can only be described as a new dawn...a new era, for Atlantis.

“This government commits itself to bolstering transparency and honesty, to create faith and trust in the political system we are now blessed with. It commits to ensuring that it is a country based on merit, not based on discrimination. A country revolving around equality, opportunity, jobs, prosperity and growth, not corruption, inequality, unemployment, economic ruin and a shrinking economy. It pledges to listen intently to the people of Atlantis at every opportunity, and reflect this in the way it governs. It is a core belief that to govern well, it must govern honestly and true to its word.

“Through negotiation and compromise, this government pledges to hold true to itself and not tear itself apart. Through intelligent internal discussion, it will find the best solutions for Atlantis.

“The new government intends to introduce a gas extraction tax. This tax will ensure that money is rightfully claimed from a growing industry, and helps to ensure that the extraction practices are responsible. It is crucial that gas extraction occurs prudently, and that Atlantis may reap the rewards in terms of public finances, and the market. It will also introduce a luxury goods tax, which shall be a 10% extra rate of VAT, and will be utilised to encourage further, deeper investment in the Atlantean economy, stimulating yet further growth and development, benefiting everybody in Atlantis. The final tax that shall be introduced is that of a carbon tax at a £10 per tonne rate for businesses. This will drive Atlantis towards a more sustainable, green economy, which will hopefully one day be an example to the world in good, environmentally friendly policy and practices.

“The lower and higher rates of income tax shall be reduced by 2%, which will see more disposable income for those who need it most, and a reduced tax burden on all taxpayers. It is a core belief of this government that if you work hard, you deserve to be able to take more of that home with you. Small businesses will see their national insurance burdens reduced from 9% to 5% this year, and 2% next year, lessening their burdens monumentally. They will also, like all businesses in Atlantis, benefit from the government’s corporation tax cuts that shall be implemented this year, bringing the bands down 10% and 9% respectively from 20% and 24%, to 10% and 15%. This lays out a strong and stalwart intention to see businesses, and therefore the economy, prosper. Corporation tax is not just a tax on companies, but a tax on workers themselves. It is crucial that businesses be able to invest more money in the business, in additional staff, and in raising wages. However this is not all. Corporate tax deduction shall be introduced for capital expenditure and, next year, will expand to small businesses who are not making a profit, for it is undoubtedly the case that small businesses form the backbone of the Atlantean economy.

“The Earned Income Tax Credit, a topic which came under heat in the early campaigning of parties, shall not be scrapped, lowered or kept the same, but rather improved to encompass those earning £8,000. A £2,000 expansion from the current system, where it only encompasses those earning £10,000 or above. This government believes that if you can work, then you should work. This is why it commits to progressively reducing the Negative Income Tax payments received by individuals that refuse work. This government holds that it is not fair on taxpayers that they should prop up those who willingly and consciously refuse to work. That aside, this government appreciates the enormous advantages of the Negative Income Tax and therefore pledges to never cut it.

“This government will launch a campaign against corruption in Atlantis, seeking it out wherever it may be and ensuring justice is served accordingly. Corruption is something that simply should not be allowed to exist in Atlantis, for it weakens the soul of the country. A soul that has the potential to be beautiful but is let down by the few.

“Furthermore, a complete overhaul of the current police equipment shall occur to ensure that the law enforcement is as well-equipped and prepared as possible to see justice done. The law of the land must be maintained for the benefit of all. This shall be alongside ensuring a strong, welcoming immigration policy exists with the proper measures put into place to ensure the efficiency and success of this.

“In addition to updating the police forces, the government will initiate a robust overhaul of Atlantis’ security forces to make them operational, functional, and capable of providing the security a 21st century nation needs. This includes internal investigations to crack down on recent scandals, like seen in Corr recently, as well as repurposing some units for non-combat logistics and engineering intent. The government shall also implement cost and force effective reserve units, rather than having a completely active military until it’s necessary.

“There will be a full review of the Civil Service, and how efficiency savings can be made, to as to ensure an effective Civil Service, which does not waste taxpayers’ money.

“The health system shall be transitioned into one modelled around a German system to promote a stronger, fairer, healthier system for all. The government shall also begin construction of a £1.3 billion medical research and development facility, with an accompanying university devoted to medical-related subjects, near Olympus, alongside further incentives to promote medical sector-based companies to relocate, or start up, or further develop, within Atlantis.

“A review of the state pension system shall occur, and, subject to that, it shall be reformed to a system where only those who rely on it receive it, potentially saving billions whilst maintaining the crucial safety net.

“Finally, three referenda will be set in motion, with dates scheduled. The first shall be for electoral reform and having a more localised proportional representation system or maintaining the current, nationwide system. The second shall be that of a European Union referendum and whether or not Atlantis should join. The third and final referendum will be a referendum on NATO membership and whether Atlantis should become a member or not.

“These measures will serve to create a stronger, more opportunity filled, prosperous, job-creating, harmonious, happier, greener Atlantis, that will be for everyone, just just a few. The government has a responsibility to look after every single person in Atlantis, and do what is best for them, and Atlantis in her entirety, which is the influence behind the government’s agenda for this year.”

"I call the Right Honourable Prime Minister to begin the debate!"

Original Text

https://youthdebates.org/forums/threads/state-opening-of-the-senate-the-governor-generals-speech.19077/