Gutless reform dash Liberal hopes

Already, many unreasonable notice claims are made against Victorian employers, with around 1,000 a year going to courts and, contrary to ACTU assertions, costs awarded if cases are sustained. In short, the Government’s proposals seem to overlook the fact existing judicial arrangements constitute the major barrier to improving workplace relations.

Finally, the continuation of a centralised system of extensive regulation of the labour market will make it easier for an incoming Labor government to amend the arrangements. A genuinely deregulated national system of workplace relations would be as important an advance as the implementation of free trade between states and, if able to operate for a few years, a Labor government would be unlikely to reverse it.

Visiting labour market expert from the US, Professor Charles Baird, concluded a recent assessment with the following words, “Many liberals hoped that with control of the Senate, Howard would move towards significant deregulation of the labour market … their hopes have been dashed. A golden opportunity has been lost for want of moral clarity and political courage.”

Amen.