Embargoed until 7.00 p. m. F7/ 1
FOR PRESS 25 SEPTEMBER 1977
ELECTORATE TALK
Last year, following a promise to the Australian community, the
Government introduced its secret ballot legislation.
In dffect, the legislation simply required secret postal ballots
for electionsof senior trade union officials. The elections would
be conducted in two ways either by the Commonwealth Electoral
Office, free of charge, or by the union itself, at its own cost.
The Goverm-ent introduced this * legislation because it was sick and
tired of nien and women unable to have a real say in how their union
was run. Generally, the system of secret ballots is now working
well. Unions are making use of the electoral office to run their
elections. In doing so they are saving thousands of dollars in
election costs. Official figures show how well this system is
being accepted.
In the twelve months prior to August 9 last year, when the legislation
came into effect, there were 178 applications for officially
conducted elections. In the twelve months following that date, the
number was 244 a 37% increase. This is an encouraging trend.
However, it is still too early to assess fully the impact of the
legislation, as many unions have not had to hold elections in the
period. The Government b~ lieves that eventually the great majority of
organisations will have their elections officially conducted.
This can only lead to a continuing strengthening of a union members
fundamental right and that is the right to have a proper say in
how his own union is run. Unfortunately, some unions and union
leaders are not playing ball.
The Government has been advised that the Amalgamated Metal Workers
and Shipwrights Union Australia's largest union has sought to
conduct elections in an improper and illegal way. It is reported
that the union has tried to go back to the old star night technique
where iierbers are lucky if 2% of them get a proper opportunity to
vote. As a result of information that has come to the Department of
Employment and Industrial Relations, the Arbitration Inspectorate
has carried out a very detailed investigation of this matter.
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If the Industrial Registrar confirms the breaches, there will
then be only two courses of action left. New elections will
be held or the union will be prosecuted for breach of the law.
The Builders Labourers Federation has also sought to overturn
the purpose and spirit of the secret ballot system. The
Government has been advised that that particular union changed
its rules for election of office bearers to exclude members from
the right to stand for election.
Accordingly, Tony Street is examining further amendments to the
secret ballot legislation to make sure that the spirit of that
legislation is given effect.
We are determined that the rank and file trade unionist will
not be run over roughshod by any power seeking union official.
The right of men and women unionists will be protected.
In essence, our secret ballot legislation seeks to give unionists
and all Australians a better go, a fairer deal.
It is working. It is giving unionists throughout Australia a
fair chance to have their voice heard. In thousands of cases
it gives them this right for the first time.
The Government will make sure that this keeps happening, that
thi~ s right is-maintained for all unionists.