PRIME MINISTER 135/ 92
STATEMENT BY THE PRIME MINISTER THE HON. P. 3. KEATING
WHAT MANDATE? I think it's a pity that what is said aboutpenalty
xate _ and holiday leave 1oadins before the election
hasn't been totally adhered to in actual the Bill
itself..
What is my observation is what is in the Bill on
penalty rates and holiday loadings is not the same
as what they said before the election. ( John Howard
on Meet the Press November 1 1992)
1 think there is a fair argument to say, Laurie,
that they made a promise before the election and in
some circumstances that promise may not be met as a
result of their reforms.
I think that Is simply a statement of fact.. ( Peter
Reith on Sunday November 1 1992)
It is " simply a statement of fact" that during an
election in which industrial relations was a major issue
Mr Kennett deliberately disguised his real intentions.
It is " simply a statement of fact" that there is no
mandate for what Mr Kennett has actually introduced. The
Victorian people know it. And so do Or Hewson, Mr Howard
and Mr Reith.
It is " simply a statement of fact" that Mr Kennett's
legislation constitutes a pointless and destructive
attack on the rights and living standards of many
thousands of victorians.
At the same time it threatens the national recovery.
In substantial ways it strikes not at inefficiencies but
at fundamental social Justice, at the reasonable and
decent standards of employment and remuneration to which
Australians are entitled.
' TO" 0OV0N T 7 " I?
-2
Mr Kennett's legislation undermines not Just V. ictorian
workers but the national interest.
By replacing unprecedented industrial' harmony, with the
conflict it took so long to get out of the system, he has
destroyed the essential condition for reform of
industrial relations the cooperative spirit which has
already produced more than 550 enterprise bargains.
The Federal Government's proposed changes to industrial
relations laws recognise that-workplace reform must
continue. In many cases that reform is seeing penalty rates, leave
loadings and outdated work practices n-egotiated -away,-
with the support of employees.
The Federal legislation allows for all the reform Mr
Kennett wants on penalty rates, leave loadings and
hours worked.
But it also protects people from being forced onto
-individual contracts. It means that the reforms
continue, but no worker is worse off.
In other words, flexibility every which way, but not
downwards. Mr Kennett's legislation is an attack on progress in
industrial relations. It is an attack on the economic
recovery which Australia is staging in the face of an
unfavourable international climate.
The changes I propose create an opportunity for a return
to industrial peace, to give recovery the best possible
chance, to provide the best climate for continuing
essential reform of the labour market, and to protect the
rights and living standards of Australians.
Mr Kennett has referred to this as " gutless."
In fact, acts of destruction require no courage.
Looking after people's living standards and protecting
them against exploitation while bringing on economic
recovery is a much harder thing to do. It requires more
courage and more faith in our fellow Australians and
the rewards are much greater.
CANBERRA December 3 1992
,9fl/ O O* ON SS: SI Z6 131-
LAURIE OAKES: It is not a cover-up, Mr Reith, when they have
an election campaign not only you don't mention these
policies but in fact say that no worker will lose any benefit
under awards. Surely that's a cover-up if it's not a lie?
PETER REITH: It may arguably be put that they have brought
down a policy which was different to what they had said before
the election. I'm not dS 0? ocieAM
œ 0/ 20' d Oœ O'ON SS: ST .6-1' 331a