Summary
From the Fair Go For Billionaires campaign, this satirical commercial shows fictional mining magnate Alan Billson onboard an expensive motor yacht on Sydney Harbour explaining that billionaires are not against important reform. They support reform such as Opposition Leader Tony Abbott’s plan to repeal the mining tax and “handing $10.5 billion dollars back to ordinary everyday billionaires like me.” With his feet resting on a worker, Billson adds “We’re not against reform, just as long as it’s about handing your cash back to billionaires. Tony Abbott understands what I mean.” It concludes with the text ‘ABBOTT UNDERSTANDS’, indicating Abbott’s support for billionaire mining magnates.
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