The article strongly criticizes the New Zealand government's handling of recent changes to pay equity law. The author argues that the secretive and rushed nature of the changes, orchestrated by Act New Zealand's Workplace Relations Minister Brooke van Velden, demonstrates a lack of moral fiber and disregard for public opinion.
The changes were kept from the public and passed under urgency in Parliament, raising concerns about a potential guilty conscience and fear of public backlash. The government's explanations regarding legal risks are deemed unconvincing and inconsistent with the typical process for major legislative changes.
The article highlights the negative consequences of these actions, including:
The author points to other government actions – such as broken promises on a new hospital, rising unemployment, and controversial policy changes – that contribute to a broader sense of disillusionment.
The article concludes by emphasizing the right of women to be angry at the government's actions and calls for a moral compass reset within the government.