Monopolies Forcing Centralism

It is in this context that one must situate the emerging monopoly power of the Executive branch of government in New Zealand as it is being subjected to contradictory pressures from big capital and small capital, the trade unions and other groups dependent on New Zealand's elaborate welfare state services. Big capital's interests must eventually win. And that is why Palmer's proposals for parliamentary reforms are merely cosmetic solutions to the anti-democratic logic of monopoly capitalism. The executive branch of the government in New Zealand has to become more powerful and secretive because that is where policies that must adversely affect workers who get laid off, small capitalists who have to go to the wall and the dismantling of the welfare system are made, and suddenly sprung on the people concerned without opportunity for consultation.

Basically, it is not in the interest of monopoly capital to be saddled with institutions for democratic consultation with people whom it regards as a barrier to the process of accumulation, as they compete with rivals for resource, technology and market advantages. It is also in that light that one can interpret Palmer's (unconscious) championing of the capitalist's classes complaints absent there being too much legislation and bureaucratic regulations in New Zealand. Note that it is not the average Kiwi that feels oppressed by regulations, or is calling for union with Australia! It is the Trotters, Turnovskys and their Lambton Quay Board room mates.