
Issue No 36		22 October 1999

News

Push to Downgrade Industrial Tribunals

Changes to federal laws could see major industrial disputes referred to the Magistrate Court in a move the ALP believes is an attempt to downgrade industrial tribunals.

Opposing the amendments to the Federal Magistrates Bill in parliament this week, Labor's industrial relations spokesman Arch Bevis warned the changes would give the magistrates Court the power to grant injunctions for stop work orders under section 127 of the Workplace Relations Act.

Bevis argues the move will encourage forum shopping from the Federal Court as well as State Supreme Courts which already have jurisdiction to hear these matters.

And he says there's suspicions about the motives behind the amendments, given that some employers have complained that the current jurisdictions are not inclined to intervene on their behalf.

"This is not about judicial management," Bevis told Parliament, "this is not about ease of access; this is about driving an ideological political agenda which this government has pursued in all areas of activity."

Democrats have signalled they'll support the legislation, but Bevis says they don't appear to understand the full implications of the Bill.

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Issue 36 contents

Interview: When All�s Not WEL
Suzanne Hammond explains how the federal government�s decision to cut off funding to the Womens� Electoral Lobby wil impact on all women.

Republic: The Great Constitutional Swindle
In an upcoming book, Peter Botsman argues the blanding out of Australian consitutional history is one of the big barriers to the Republican cause.

Unions: Beaten by the Clock
Ron Callus from ACIRRT counts the social cost of increased working hours.

International: Pakistan Military Urged to Protect Workers' Rights
The ICFTU is urging General Pervez Musharraf, who yesterday seized power in a military coup, to take urgent steps to ensure a return to constitutional rule in the shortest possible time.

History: How the Cunning Fox Survived
Len Fox recently turned 94. He celebrated the event by sending out copies of his latest publication to friends; a booklet of his selected pencil and crayon sketches since 1925, with autobiographical commentaries.

Satire: Direct Electionists to Keep Voting No
Pro-direct election republicans who plan to vote �no� in the upcoming referendum have announced plans to extend their approach to every future election held in Australia.

Labour Review: What's New at the Information Centre
Read the latest issue of Labour review, a resource for union officials and students.

Review: Bowing down before Globalzilla
It is my experience that books that have the word "globalization" in the title should be avoided at all costs.

» Timorese Appeal to Democrats to Dump Reith�s Wave

» Opera House Keeps New Years in the Family

» Stressed Out: The Incredibly Shrinking Lunch Break

» Kennett Fall a Warning to Carr

» Combet Steps Up To The Plate

» Thirty Hours at the Wheel - Then Sacked for Complaining

» Reith�s Plan for Universities Exposed

» Hockey Sticks With the Banks

» Push to Downgrade Industrial Tribunals

» Peace Stalks the Gong as Matters Bows Out

» Rock the Republic - It�s Time

» Guest Report

» Sport

» Trades Hall

» Piers Watch

» Vizard Critics Peddling Lies

» Republic Soapbox

» Barbies and Kens Eye High Office

» Guilty! I Agree with Howard

» Egan Speaks - Des Moore's No Friend of Mine!

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