E D I T O R I A L

Howard's Decayed
Geoff Dixon is shorthand for the Howard decade.

F E A T U R E S

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.

N E W S

Mum Rains on Howard's Parade

Aussie Rorts on Korean Tele

Hardcorp Romp: All the Goss

Holiday Win for Thousands

Della Exposes Rip-Offs

Robbo Heffered

Commission Plugs Job Cuts

Sweatshop Workers Hit the Catwalk

Libs Beg For Worker's Dosh

Skills Base Up In The Air

Bakers Deal Short On Bread

Captain Cook Runs Away

Activists What's On!

C O L U M N S

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…

L E T T E R S

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Holiday Win for Thousands

After hearing months of evidence, the NSW Industrial Relations Commission green-lighted the right of permanent casuals to opt for permanent employment, after six continuous months, and also sheeted home OH&S responsibility to host employers.

Unions NSW secretary, John Robertson, hailed the breakthroughs as "important steps forward for thousands of families.

"It gives the families of permanent employees the right to some security. It's only basic justice but, with the federal government determined to demolish the concept of a fair-go, it is actually very significant."

"These people can go from sitting waiting for the phone to ring, to being able to budget for the first time."

The decision, released by the NSW Commission full bench, recognised Unions NSW's core argument that some employers were using casual terms to avoid obligations to fulltime workers.

The Commission rejected a union claim to have labour hire companies meet the wages and conditions of the host company. But it did accept the argument that the host must accept responsibility for OH&S requirements on its site or sites.

All the claims were vigorously opposed by business and employer organisations.

Sydney's Daily Telegraph reported, last week, that Australian Business Industrial was considering an appeal.

The Commission heard dozens of witnesses. One, Bill Parker, testified he had been working, average 40 hour weeks, for the same company for more than seven years as a casual.

In that time, the tradesman had had only two weeks of unpaid leave.

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