WorkChoices' reliance on the corporations power to take over state IR systems is nothing less than a declaration of constitutional war on the states, according to one of Australia's leading constitutional law experts, Professor Greg Craven.
The Prime Minister, John Howard, has this morning moved closer to realising his long-held ambition to radically reshape Australia's industrial relation system, with the introduction into Parliament of the Workplace Relations Amendment (Work Choices) Bill 2005.
Management of plastics manufacturer Kemalex is blaming a nine-week strike by union members for its decision to put its Melbourne operation into voluntary administration.
700-page bill into Parliament tomorrow; Workplace Express to send out links; Some questions for tomorrow; Productivity Commission again pushes for retention of state IR systems; IR lawyer says WorkChoices rhetoric is empty; and Eye Popper the Shadow Minister's tip for the Cup.
Just two days before the introduction of the second wave IR changes, the Senate's workplace agreements inquiry's non-Government majority has accused the Howard Government of advertising that award conditions will be "protected by law" to create a smokescreen aimed at deceiving the public.
The Howard Government has revealed this evening that the total bill for the WorkChoices advertising campaign and associated activities has risen to $55m.
Living wage proceeding put back a day; ACCI seeks to head off threats to national IR system; BCA says its second wave advertising campaign won't cost more than $10m; NSW Government funds radio and print campaign against second wave; PM says second wave "big, but fair"; and Howard's IR plans too market-oriented, says Beazley.
The IMF has stood by its support for the Federal Government's proposed IR changes, rejecting union criticism that its September report on Australia was "uncritical", in a letter yesterday to ACTU president Sharan Burrow.
Andrews confirms workplace laws completely rewritten; Unions NSW commissions family impact statement on second wave laws; Victoria sets up workplace rights watchdog; Chaney new head of BCA; and Employer gets off after paying striking workers.
