Summary
A spin off from the Fair Go For Billionaires campaign, this satirical commercial advocates the employment of overseas 457 visa workers at the expense of local workers. Sitting in his executive office, fictional CEO Larry Pines tells the viewer that he’s heard that overseas 457 visa holders are taking jobs from Australian workers, but if he could find Australian workers he would give them jobs. Pines looks for workers under his desk, in office cupboards, drawers in his desk, and even yells out down the corridor. He’s tried everything to find them, “but not so much as a nibble”. Half heartedly typing on his computer he declares “Ooh look I’m putting up a job ad……Nothing”. Perturbed by a pinging of job applicants Pines smashes the computer with a hammer, “Not one.”
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.
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