Summary
A spin off from the Fair Go For Billionaires campaign, this satirical commercial advocates sharing the wealth generated by the mining boom with the wider Australian community, in particular, Australian workers. Larry Pines, a fictional mining magnate, addresses the viewer about the concept of fairness, with the problem being “sometimes fairness goes too far, like those added extras that Australian workers think are only fair.” Accompanied by images of a family barbeque, a sick person on oxygen and a father playing with his child in the park, he continues, “Like holiday pay, sick pay, weekends.” And that’s why Pines sources all his workers from overseas, which is easy because all he has to do is swear that there isn’t anyone trained or qualified to do the job. Pines is seen swearing with his hand on Opposition Leader Tony Abbott’s book, finishing with “and while that little loophole is open, I think it’s only fair I should use it.” This is followed by text on black ‘Help us stop Larry and his kind.’
The final title card is ‘The Mining Boom is Australia’s Boom. Let’s spread it around.’Fair Go For Billionaires was a CFMEU – Mining & Energy Division campaign opposing opposition leader Tony Abbott’s promise to repeal the new Resources Tax, thereby diverting tax dollars intended for public purposes back to rich and powerful mining companies.
Fair Go For Billionaires was a CFMEU – Mining & Energy Division campaign opposing Opposition Leader Tony Abbott’s promise to repeal the new Resources Tax, thereby diverting tax dollars intended for public purposes back to rich and powerful mining companies.
Special Notes/Achievements
Manic Studios was established for the trade union movement with the goal of producing satirical films and videos for union campaigns. Charles Firth, an Australian comedian and member of the famed The Chaser satirical comedy show, was the company’s creative director.
Author: J Bird, 2023