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Sad Sacks
It has been a sad spectacle watching a Labor Government run down public servants, as they have in NSW this week.
Interview: Court's in Session
As the silks line up to challenge WorkChoices, Jeff Shaw is fighting for his own legacy - the NSW IR system.
Industrial: Whose Choices?
The Howard Government's WorkChoices legislation has been dissected by lawyers and the commentariat; now it's the turn of political economists.
Politics: Peter's Principles
Forget John Howard. The force behind WorkChoices is Peter Costello. The Prime Minister-in-waiting has devoted a lifetime to undermining the security and living standards of Australian families, Jim Marr reports.
Environment: TINA or Greener?
What does the greenhouse effect and legislation to control workers have in common, asks Neale Towart
History: Its Not Just Handshakes and Aprons
Power. They have it, we want it. Friendly societies tried to keep it for working people, writes Neale Towart
International: US Locks out Jose' Bove
The US Government has refused to allow France's most famous farmer Jose Bove into the country to address a conference
Education: No AWA - No Job
The Howard Government has given the Australian community its first view of the future by forcing new staff at Ballarat University to sign an Australian Workplace Agreement if they want a job, writes Jenny Macklin.
Culture: Jesus was a Long-Grass Man
The writings of a Middle Eastern theologian may provide guidance to those grappling with indigenous issues, writes Graham Ring
Review: Charlie the Serf
Nathan Brown takes the sledgehammer (and sickle) to Mr Wonka's Chocolate Factory.
 Taskforce Shrugs Bashed Teen Worker
Abattoir Blues
Car Plant Puts Pedal to Metal
Call Me Now: Rev Kev
Fat Boss Sings
Unions Back After This Break
Public Cuts Must Be Last
Apprentices Grow Up
‘Castle Win Keeps Trains On Track
Chicken Worker Stuffed
‘Revolving Gangplank' at Sydney Ferries
NSW Councils Short $21 billion
Activists What's On!
The Soapbox
Hitler in Bowral
Political censorship has made its wasy to the sleepy Southern Highlands, wrties Rowan Cahill. The Locker Room
No Laughing Matter
Phil Doyle tries to take Australian sportspeople seriously, and fails. Parliament
The Westie Wing
Ian West is mistakenly sent an advance copy of John Winston Howard’s Little Blue Book of Australian History…
Lest We Forget
For Whom the Toll Bells
Unfinished Business
Labor Sells Hydro
Stop the Hordes
Packer Whacker
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IT Workers Alliance
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Unions on LaborNET
Evatt Foundation
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News
NSW Councils Short $21 billion
Council workers have pointed to an alarming shortfall of over $21 billion on spending in Local Government, which is affecting services in communities across the state.
The United services Union has backed a call by reserve bank Governor Ian Macfarlane for the Federal government to hand over billions in GST revenue to the states to address the shortfall.
"When the Reserve Bank Governor makes comments like that it is time for all politicians to sit up and take notice," said USU Executive President Michael Want. "Right across NSW we have regional communities struggling to maintain services and improve infrastructure due to lack of funds."
The Union will be running a public awareness campaign and cites findings in the Independent Study commissioned by the Local Government Association of NSW, which shows that:
• Councils require $14.6 billion over the next 15 years for asset replacement over and above maintenance requirements, double the rate of current expenditure;
• There is an annual infrastructure spending gap of up to $600 million replacement cost;
• There is an Infrastructure backlog of $6.3 billion, or 13 per cent of total asset value.
According to Michael Want these figures confirm the union's call for a substantial financial commitment to local government.
"While NSW continues to be robbed of $3 billion per year it will be difficult to address this funding crisis," he said.
The United Services Union, representing over 30,000 local government workers across NSW.
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Issue 296 contents
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