NSW Coalition: coy or sneaky?

Issue 

NSW Coalition: coy or sneaky?

By Dick Nichols

SYDNEY — Since before Christmas, NSW Liberal leader Kerry Chikarovski has been saying her industrial relations policy would not be released for "another couple of weeks".

Nationals' leader George Souris was not so coy; he released his party's policy at a Grafton campaign breakfast a fortnight ago. It was, Souris said, "time to reform industrial relations in favour of the employer".

The Nationals want small business exempted from unfair dismissal laws; the Industrial Relations Act abolished; workplace agreements, which bypass awards, introduced to the maximum extent possible; mandatory secret ballots before strikes; workers' compensation premiums (and therefore pay-outs) to be cut; and "flexible" wages and conditions in the tourism industry.

"The National policy on industrial relations is one we agree with", responded Chikarovski.

The NSW Coalition has undertaken not to hand over industrial relations powers to the commonwealth, Jeff Kennett-style, but Souris' policy means they won't have to; they will simply enshrine the federal government's policy in NSW legislation.

[Dick Nichols is a Democratic Socialist candidate for the Legislative Council in the March 27 NSW election.]

If you like our work, become a supporter

Green Left is a vital social-change project and aims to make all content available online, without paywalls. With no corporate sponsors or advertising, we rely on support and donations from readers like you.

For just $5 per month get the Green Left digital edition in your inbox each week. For $10 per month get the above and the print edition delivered to your door. You can also add a donation to your support by choosing the solidarity option of $20 per month.

Freecall now on 1800 634 206 or follow the support link below to make a secure supporter payment or donation online.