
Issue No 63		21 July 2000

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News

Inquiry Blows Lid on Long Distance Trucking

The NSW Motor Accidents Authority Safety Inquiry into the Long Distance Trucking Industry commenced public hearings in Newcastle today.

Chaired by Professor Michael Quinlan, from the School of Industrial Relations and Organisational Behaviour at the University of NSW, the inquiry is investigating current levels of safety in the industry.

As part of this process the inquiry is convening a number of public hearings in NSW, Victoria and Queensland taking submission on impact of clients requirements, current forms of regulation and enforcement, and the realities of excessive driving hours, speeding and drug use in the industry.

In Newcastle today the inquiry heard oral submissions from a number of drivers in the industry, their wives and family members, and members of both the Transport Worker's Union and the Concerned Families of Australian Truckies.

The submissions focussed on the realities of living and working in the long distance trucking industry and will include evidence on increasing pressures and demands on drivers in the industry that are forcing them to drive excessive hours, take drugs, or speed at the risk to both their health and safety and the health and safety of every other Australian road user.

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Issue 63 contents

Interview: Paul Keating's Big Picture
The former Prime Minister is still painting on a broad canvass. He talks to Workers Online about the new economy, fair trade and political chi.

Unions: War in the West
Only six months after signing individual staff contracts, the gloss has worn off for some of BHP's Pilbara iron ore workers.

Environment: Farmers Fudge DNA Dangers
Farmers have missed the chance to have a meaningful debate into the use of genetically modified crops.

International: 'Dot Union' Proposal on the Table
ICANN, the global governing body of Internet domains, has released the following expression of interest in proposing a top-level domain for trade unions

Economics: Edge of the Abyss
Political economist Frank Stilwell argues that a constellation of events gives good reason to be worried about the Australian economy.

History: Taming the Tigers
Prominent labour historian, Dr Ming Chan, is visiting Australia to report on how workers are faring in the new Hong Kong.

Review: Music is Crap
It's already the second half of the first year in the new millenium. Who would have ever predicted a crisis in the popular music industry when we are at such an advanced stage ?

Satire: Last Kosovars Found Behind Couch
State Emergency Services personnel were called to a house in Brighton this morning, where the last five remaining Kosovar refugees have been found wedged behind a couch.

» Unions Lead Ethical Investment Push

» Surfing Good for Productivity - Management Experts

» Third World Conditions For Rural Workers

» Downer's Fiji Muddle Deepens

» Hotel Worker Survey Questions Olympics Preparation

» BHP Holds Gun to Kembla's Head

» A Burning Issue as Joy Campaign Goes National

» Garbos Forced to Ditch Early Start

» Telstra - Making it Sleazier For You

» Inquiry Blows Lid on Long Distance Trucking

» Cab Company Highlights Labor Hire Quandry

» What Olympics Jobs? Asks the AWU

» Republican Elections Called for August

» STOP PRESS: Landmark Legal Ruling on Asbestos