
Issue No 20		02 July 1999

Guest Report

HT Lee on Country Labor

Premier Bob Carr launched Country Labor at the ALP Country Conference at Goulburn on Saturday 26 June to boost Labor's electoral chances in the bush.

'Country Labor is being set up to enhance the ALP in rural areas,' Carr announced to the applause of the assembled multitude of true believers.

The cockies outside with their assorted placards were stunned by this unexpected ingenious manoeuvre against them. The sky must have fallen down on them on that cold winterish grey day...they might as well pack up and go home.

'We are reclaiming the bush for Labor,' Carr proclaimed.

By this time the hall has erupted into euphoria never seen before in any ALP conferences let alone a country one...the messiah has arrived...a new dawn has began...Country Labor is on the march...today the bush, tomorrow the cities...

With such a stunning winning formula why stop here?

It is a known fact the yuppies a-lah the chardonnay set have been drifting from Labor and have cast their votes further afield towards the Greens, Democrats or other more left inclined parties.

Labor needs to win back this important socially advantaged group.

But how do we do it? Can we redirect the chardonnay socialists back to Labor?

The answer although looks complicated is simple...we'll follow the footstep of Country Labor by forming Chardonnay Labor!

They'll all drift back to Labor...consume more chardonnay and help boost the NSW wine industry. Think of all the benefits this will provide...more employment for rural workers...more jobs for glass makers...and the list goes on.

But why stop here?

It has now been well documented the non-chardonnay set has also been unhappy with Labor. They feel Labor has deserted them for the chardonnay set. This group prefers the reds especially the rough ones...so why not form Cardboard Plonk Labor?

On the other hand some of the disgruntled non-chardonnay set have become more up-market. This group prefers the more refine reds...for them the choice could be between the Shiraz Labor, Pinot Noir Labor or Cab Sauv Labor.

We must not discriminate against those in between...the waverers so to speak. To these group the Rose Labor will go down well.

And for those who prefer their caffeine fix we can have the Short Black Labor, Flat White Labor, Cafe Latte Labor or the Cappuccino Labor.

Come to think of it...the list is endless...

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Issue 20 contents

Interview: Theyï¿½re Not All Bastards
The Australian Industry Groupï¿½s Roger Boland is one employer representative who believes trade unions will continue to play an important role in the economy - and society - of the future.

Unions: Always the Pay is No Good
Fair Wear's campaign for clothing industry homeworkers is changing the way we think about consuming.

History: A Refreshing Advance
Women workers organising in the NSW Rail and Tramways Department Refreshment Rooms in the 1920s.

International: MAI Back on the Agenda
After being ditched in the wake of an international cyber-protest, the World Trade Organisation is trying to salvage the MAI from the ashes.

International: Courage Against the Odds
A Cuban trade union leader urges for a 30 year blockade to be lifted, with a fundraiser to be held this Thursday.

Review: Without You I'm Nothing
British pop music doesnt come any better than Placebo.

» Direct Links to Timor Militia Revealed

» Child Laws Cause School Camp, Sport Chaos

» False Advertising Complaint on Second Wave

» Its Official. Howard's Public Sector Cuts Hurt Everyone

» Hard-Hats Only as Builders Strip for Outworkers

» Unions Unite to Protect Jobs in the Bush

» Square Eyes Workplace Warning

» WorkCover Scheme Has Passed Use-By Date

» Bruised Not Beaten: FSU Battles On

» Gordonstone Miners Win Battle, But Robbed of Justice

» Currawong Spots Up For Grabs

» Workers Online Turns 21!

» Guest Report

» Sport

» Trades Hall

» Piers Watch

» Thanks from the Hyde Park Hyatt

» The Chant of a Jilted project Co-ordinator

» Have the Times Really Changed?

» You've Got to be Kidding!

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