
Issue No 107		17 August 2001

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News

WorkCover Report Delayed Two More Weeks

By Mary Yaager

The Sheahan Report into workers compensation common law rights has had its deadline extended by two weeks at the request of chair, Justice Terry Sheahan.

Because of the overwhelming amount of submissions, complex reports and material the Inquiry has collected from a variety of sources both in Australia and oversees Justice Shaehan has asked the Premier, Bob Carr for an extension

Justice Shaehan advised the Premier that he did not believe that he would do justice to the task at hand in the time frame provided.

The Inquiry into common law which was due to be handed down today however Justice Sheehan has been granted an extension of another two 2 weeks.

The NSW Law Society welcomes the extension particularly in light of the fact that a very critical report, commissioned by WorkCover and which could significantly influence the Inquiry w has only been made available in the last couple of days.

Rita Mallia Senior Legal Officer with the Construction Forestry Mining and Energy Union, said given that critical information has only just become available at this late it is not surprising that the Inquiry has been extended"

Joan Lemaire , Industrial Officer with NSW Teachers Federation said that she is concerned that the Government has not indicated that they will allow a period of time in which the findings and recommendations can be discussed with the unions"

Any attempt to rush through changes without consultation could seriously disadvantage injured workers and this is just unacceptable ' Joan went on to say.

Patricia Fernadez ,Organiser with the Meat Employees Union said there is a considerable amount of angst out there amongst the workers about the outcome this inquiry and delaying this inquiry means workers will have to wait even longer to learn of their fate'.

The major fear of these workers is that they will no longer be able to sue an for a serious injury by a negligent employer Patricia further stated.

The report will now be handed the Governor on the 31st August 2001.

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  Issue 107 contents

Interview: What's The Deal?
Labor's IR spokesman Arch Bevis explains how a Beazley Government will rebuild our broken system.

E-Change: 2.3 The State of the Union
White hope or white elephant? The future of trade unions is by no means guaranteed in the networked society.

Industrial: Into the 21st Century
ACTU President Sharan Burrow looks at the landmark deal delivering workers 12 months paid maternity leave.

Unions: The Black Hole
Jim Marr goes inside Stellar to discover the human cost of a management philosophy that says: you are on your own.

History: The Age of Dissent
The Sydney Branch of the Australian Society for the Study of Labour History has organised a Conference on Social Protest Movements and the Labour Movement, 1965-1975.

Media: ABC and the Knowledge Nation
Tony Moore looks at how the national broadcaster's fortunes are closely linked to the Knowledge Nation Agenda

International: Brazil´s C.U.T. - When Big Is Beautiful
The CFMEU´s Phil Davey drops in on Brazil´s equivalent to the ACTU, the Central Unica Dos Trabalhadores (CUT).

Satire: Bracks Disputes Cabramatta tag
Victorian Premier Steve Bracks has called for a national council to decide on a location for Australia's drug capital.

Review: Globalisation Is Globalisation
In an extract from his book, Christopher Shiel argues that the official Australian perspective on globalisation is strikingly narrow.

» Labor's Entitlements Pledge: Trust Will Remain

» Ripped Off Workers Start Election Push

» Stellar Out of Line: Hamberger

» It’s a Record! Longest Ever Bank Queue

» Still No IR at ABC Radio

» Qantas Threatens Bangkok Workers

» WorkCover Report Delayed Two More Weeks

» Unrest in Hospitals Over Contracting Out

» Paid Baby Leave Sparks New Family Push

» Nurses Pay Action Hots Up

» Costello's Couriers March to Canberra

» 'Man Who Worked Too Hard' Wins Back Job

» Soldiers Suffer Dodgy Bog

» Union Backs Call For Safety Review

» Cleaner Wins Annual Leave Rights Dispute

» Tip Top's Not the One

» Flying High: Airport Guards Scoop Cash

» Union Presence At Big Indian Community Fair

» Activists Notenbook