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| Issue No 112 |  |
21 September 2001 |
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NewsUp, Up and Away – Where Does Howard Stand?
Thousands of Ansett workers attended rallies around the country today to call on Prime Minister John Howard to commit the federal government to getting the carrier back in the air. Workers joined ACTU President Sharan Burrow in demanding Howard publicy state whether he was with them or against them after failing to commit federal funds to rescuing the once great national carrier. Funds from the Carr Government have assisted in getting Ansett subsidiary Hazelton back in the air servicing key regional and rural routes for the first time since the airline's receivers closed operations last week. This means 3,000 of Ansett's 17,000 are back at work - at least for a week. Talks are also underway with Qantas to lease ten jets, although Burrow criticised Qantas management for "playing hardball" and putting their desire to win market share from Ansett ahead of their desire to get Ansett planes back in the air. But the rally's anger was focused on the Howard Government's role and its failure to assist the airline head of administration. Burrow called on the Prime Minister to convene a meeting of all the stakeholders, including shareholders, the unions and the administrator and devise a plan to get Ansett back into the air. More than 2,000 Ansett workers cheered Burrow and range of rank and file speakers and were entertained by crooner Frank Bennett who performed the Gary Toomey medley - comprising versions of 'Would I Lie to You', 'Kiss Me, Son of God' and 'Creep', along with Craig Armitage who had penned a version of 'Down Under' for the Ansett workers. Marginal Seat Campaign Burrow told the Ansett workers of ACTU plans to pursue the Howard Government in marginal seats in the lead-up to the federal election. The ACTU has already drawn up a list of seats that will be impacted by the withdrawal of Ansett services in all states and territories. These are: Gwydir, Parkes, Page, Calare, Farrer and Eden-Monaro in NSW, Kalgoorlie, Forrest and O'Connor in WA, Grey and Barker in SA, the new seat of Lingiari in the NT, McMillan and Gippsland in Victoria, Kennedy, Maranoa, Capricornia, Liechhardt and Wide Bay in Qld and Bass in Tasmania. Burrow urged all Ansett workers to get out in their communities and tell their story to the Australian public. And she was backed by Ansett worker Marlene Marshall, a long-time Liberal voter, who said the Prime Minister had lost her vote over his mishandling of the collapse. Solidarity From New Zealand Workers The rally also heard words of support and solidarity from New Zealand workers, delivered in person by Andrew little from the Engineers Union. Little said the actions of Air New Zealand was the type of corporate immorality that New Zealanders were used to - but something they did not want to export across the Tasman. "Working Kiwis up and down the country are feeling a sense of shame at what has happened," he said. Burrow stressed that the NZ Council of Trade Unions had been working closely with the ACTU to ensure that Air New Zealand meets its responsibility to Ansett workers.
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   Interview: Exit InterviewMichael Costa looks back at his 14 years with the Labor Council to chart the highs, the lows and the bits in between. Parliament: Opening SalvoIn his Maiden Speech, delivered this week, Costa gave vent to his views on immigration, Marx, globalisation and mental health. Scandals: My Evil TwinCo-conspirator and 'intellectual soulmate' Mark Duffy recounts the legendary 'Leaked Paper' Affair and how its predictions soon came to pass. Politics: An Agent for ChangeFormer secretary Michael Easson argues that Costa was instrumental in redefining the factional balance in NSW in the wake of the Cold War. Review: The Thoughts of Chairman MCNeale Towart trawls the collected works of Michael Costa and looks at his love-hate affair with Marx. Factions: Kyoto SunsetNaomi Steer - the first left-winger to work at Labor Council in decades - recalls how she discovered the real Michael in a Karaoke lounge. History: A Proud TraditionFormer Premier Barrie Unsworth argues Costa enters Parliament as the best qualified Labor Council leader ever to make the transition. Psychology: The Man Behind the MaskCosta's predecessor Peter Sams argues that behind the bluff facade lay a loyal and caring friend. Seduction: Michael and MeChris Christodoulou recounts how Costa convinced him to cross the factional divide and take up residence in Sussex Street. Satire: Ode to LeonLong-time sparring partner, Peter Botsman submits this lyrical tribute to Costa's career.
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