
Issue No 93		27 April 2001

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News

Inflation Destroys Howard’s Living Wage Ploy

Confirmation that Australia has suffered the highest annual inflation for more than a decade makes a mockery of the Federal Government's opposition to a wage rise for the country's lowest paid workers, the ACTU said this week.

Australian Bureau of Statistics figures for the March quarter show that the Consumer Price Index rose 1.1 per cent to give an annual inflation rate of six per cent - the highest since December 1990.

"These figures make a mockery of John Howard's mean-spirited opposition to the ACTU's Living Wage application for a modest $28 a week rise for the most poorly paid people in our country," ACTU Secretary Greg Combet said.

"The burden of the GST is falling on ordinary Australian workers who are already struggling to make ends meet. These figures are particularly disturbing because they show massive increases in the price of the basic necessities of food, education and health care."

The figures showed vegetable prices soared 20 per cent, pharmaceutical costs rose 9.3 per cent and education costs increased 4.4 per cent in the last three months.

"The ACTU has demonstrated that the $28 Living Wage increase would not add to inflation but would assist low paid workers," Mr Combet said.

"After pumping up inflation with his GST, the Prime Minister continues to oppose a wage rise for the two million Australians working for minimum award rates," Mr Combet said.

"Despite his promise that no worker would be worse off, Mr Howard is ensuring that the most vulnerable people in our society bear the brunt of his changes.

"These figures destroy the Government's claim of superior economic management. The only real record this Government holds is the creation of the highest inflation rate in a decade."

The Australian Industrial Relations Commission is expected to hand down its decision on the ACTU's Living Wage application next week.

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  Issue 93 contents

Corporate: The Jobs Myth
Access Economics' Chris Richardson debunks employer claims that increased workers compensation premiums have a dramatic impact on jobs.

Interview: The Workers’ Voice
When trade union stalwart Ian West took a seat in the NSW Upper House he was determined to be more than a bench-warmer. Then the Workers Comp legislation hit.

Unions: Postcard from the Pilbara
In the face of unprecedented pressure, BHP workers in the Pilbara are standing together and refusing to sign individual cotnracts.

Economics: Currency Unification: Dollarize or Die?
Dick Bryan asks what happens to an economy when it gives up its domestic currency.

History: Instant History
In his address to the Australian Labour History Conference, the SMH's Brad Norington asks whether there is still time for history.

International: The End of an Era?
The post-Cold War era is over. Something different is developing to take its place. John Passant writes.

Media: The Battle for Aunty
The CPSU's Graeme Thompson ouitlines the campaign to save the ABC and this week's emergency share-holders' meeting.

Review: Share-Holder Nation
A legacy of government-backed privatisations, demutualisations and stockmarket hype over the past decade is the creation of a nation of shareholders.

Satire: SOS: Save the Investment Banker!
Spare a thought for those less fortunate With redundancies at investment banks around the globe looming, now is the time for us to show the world just how much we care. It's just not right.

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» Robbo Elected Unopposed

» Women Casuals Victimised by Abbott

» Scientists Oppose Quantum Leap

» Victimised Mineworkers Confront Rio Tinto Board

» Queenslanders Call for End to Employer Theft

» Inflation Destroys Howard’s Living Wage Ploy

» Commitment to Schizophrenia Research

» Activists Notebook: Workers of the World Unite

» ANZAC Special : Hundred Not Out