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  Issue No 120 Official Organ of LaborNet 23 November 2001  

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Letters to the Editor

The Cost a Costa


Dear Sir,

With some of the essential ramifications of the recent election loss by the ALP, being a period of reflection, reassessment and ruthless restructure, and a potential frenzied political blood bath in the New South Wales State structure in emulation of the federal level being a expected prospect, in an effort to apportion blame.

The elevation of Michael Costa to the position of New South Wales Minister for Police is certainly a move outside the political square. This is obviously another courageous step, in the constant and consistent reform for which "Carr Labour "governments are now renowned for. There can be no doubt as to the abilities of Mr. Costa, and his capacity to use these abilities in the promotion of those whom he represents irrespective of the pressures applied by the ruling cliques. The Premier, Bob Carr, and his right wing Sussex Street, machine, while on this program of reformation could do worse than find a safe Labour seat for Frank Sartor , the current Lord Mayor of Sydney , who would fit in perfectly as a Minister for Local Government. This is in no way a criticism of the present Minister Harry Woods, who could be found a spot more in line with country labours` "Dad and Dave" philosophies.

Would this not , be a perfect opportunity for the Premier Bob Carr, to offer respite to the Hon. Faye Lo Po, who has for , what to her , must seem like an eternity , been supping from the ministerial "Poisoned Chalice" , that of Minister of Community Services?

The exemplary manner in which this Minister has not only handled this portfolio, but effectively represented her electorate, indicates not only that she deserves reward but her achievements demand it. This Minister has shown great empathy with not only her constituents but the abused, mistreated and unfortunate humans with whom her department deals with on a daily basis.

Perhaps now would be an appropriate time for the delivery of that reward.

It is also blatantly obvious, that the new leader of Federal Labour (Simon Crean) will attempt to be of a similar ilk as Bob Carr, in accepting the challenges presented to the labour party in this rapidly changing political environment. The labour party may finally have uncovered an unlikely leader who will endeavour to lead it out of the ideological wilderness of 20th century socialism, through the forceful confrontation of those Trade Union Dinosaurs who still believe that corrupt cronyism and nepotism, reinforced by farcical disputes, fabricated to create an illusion of insecurity, is sufficient to retain an increasingly cynical and analytical potential/membership.

The flagging of a revision as to the corrupt policy of the disproportionate influence of irrelevant Unions, whose members have fled the labour party in droves is also certainly a political conundrum which must be addressed immediately. This will remove the bogey man that liberal governments have for years used as a scare tactic on your average Australian - the power of unrepresentative Union Officials within a labour government.

The reality is that the labour party of recent years has been pandering to special interest groups , the majority of whom would been burnt at the stake rather than not vote Liberal/Country Party , and neglecting those whom they believe have no other option than to vote labour. This then, particularly the New South Wales right wing has been effectively rammed down the throats of the local membership through interference in the preselection process and this is reflected by lack of quality candidates. Candidates for whom the local members refused to work for/with, and probably not even vote for!

I just can't wait for another think tank like the one after the 1996 election rout; perhaps someone will listen this time?

Tom Collins


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*   Issue 120 contents

In this issue
Features
*  Interview: Civilising Capital
Peter Butler is a global investor with a difference. He believes that environment, shareholder democracy and workers rights make good business sense.
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*  Industrial: All In The Family
In his opening submission to the landmark case, ACTU assistant secretary Richard Marles argues working hours are vital to life.
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*  Unions: Saving Cinderella
It is a modern day fairy tale - a Cinderella from the suburbs, worked like a slave from morning to night injured and then abandoned.
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*  International: Recognising China
Gough Whitlam draws the links, past and present, between recognition of China and the continuing struggle to achieve a genuinely inclusive Australian democracy.
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*  History: The Speakers Square
A new book lifts the lid on Melbourne's radical past - including the soapboxes that dotted the city in the 1890s.
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*  Economics: Back to the Pack
The big story in this year�s State of the States League Table is the end of the long reign of New South Wales at the top of the heap.
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*  Satire: Man Reneges On Promise To Leave The Country If Howard Re-Elected
A Sydney man has decided he won�t leave Australia despite the re-election of the Howard Government.
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*  Review: When Hippes Meet Unionists
A new book investigates how links between politics and culture reached a high point in the 1970s
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News
»  Calls for ALP Fundraising Code
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»  Mad Monk Keeps IR
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»  Ignored Warnings Bring Tragic Results
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»  ACTU Executive To Mark Union Bounce Back
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»  Workers Will Lose from Unfair Contract Changes
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»  Tassie On Top, While NSW And WA Slip
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»  Costa Gets First Union Call
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»  Hamberger in Hot Water
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»  Egan to Pay for Welfare Win
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»  Sweet Victory for Sugar Workers
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»  Selectron Demise Spells Death of Tech Inustry
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»  Telco Industry Growth Hits The Wall
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»  Shocking Conditions in Clothing Industry
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»  Workers Force Council Backdown
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»  New Dili Project Launched
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»  Airport Guards Welcome Work Study Case
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»  No News is Bad News for the Bush
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»  Getonboard Closes Doors
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»  Activists Notebook
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»  Organiser of the Year Nominations Open
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Columns
»  The Soapbox
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»  The Soapbox
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»  Trades Hall
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»  Tool Shed
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Letters to the editor
»  The Cost a Costa
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»  Unionism and the ALP - a Workers View.
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»  Is 60-40 Good Odds?
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»  Ancient OHS - The Wergild Sysstem
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