PRIME MINISTER TUESDAY, 16-OCTOBER 1979
From the Press Office SUMMARY OF ABC'S 12: 30 pm NEWS
Street,. Minister for Industrial Relations, * said today
the views of the Arbitration Commissioners had been taken
into account when drawing up the Conciliation and Arbitration
Act. The ABC's Canberra Office says the Bill allows the
President of the Arbitration Commission to step into any
case and either transfer it to another Commissioner or bring
it before the Full Bench. Before handing down a decision on
award rates or conditions the Commissioner has to refer it to
the Deputy President of the relevant industry panel. The
Bill also makes it easier for the Federal Government to move
for de-registration of a union. Mr. Street was asked today
about an Opposition claim that the Government was trying to put
astraightjacket on the* Arbitration Commission.
Mr. Street
Well, of course that's nonsense. The consultancy process
is not a straightjacket at all. It is to maintain
consistency so that you don't suddenly get one wage decision
which is out of line with the general run, which of course
creates enormous industrial disruption. That is what it is
for and that is what I am sure it will achieve.
The amendments 1: o the Conciliation and Arbitration Act are
due to go before the Senate this week.
A strong earthquake followed by a series of after-shocks has
rocked Southern California and Northern Mexico. At least one
person was killed and as many as 60 have been injured. No big
cities were hit but there is considerable damage to many small
towns and communities.
Flash floods in the northwest of Italy, triggered by three days
of continuous heavy rain have caused the deaths of two people.
I1ran . and : Libya have . put * up. their oil, prices, and in doing so
' hav&-' bec6m-n& the f Iirst countries ' to ' go above the ceiling agreed
on by OPEC., Libya has raised the price of all its grades of
r. o il by '$ 2.77 cents American a barrel. This makes its highest
grade $ 26.27 compared with the OPEC ceiling price of $ 23.50.
Iran has increased the price of its best grade of crude by $ 1.50
to $ 23.71. At their meeting in June, member nations of OPEC
had agreed to hold prices at or below the ceiling. The guideline,
which was not binding on members, had held firm until now.
On the first day of his European visit, China's Chairman has
launched a strong but indirect attack on the policies of the
Soviet Union. Speaking at a banquet in Paris he said that in
Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia, treacherous means
of agression were being used to sow discord. He said the
risk of grave military confrontation also existed in Europe.
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Racing: a total of 28 horses remained in next Saturday's
Caulfied Cup field when final acceptances were taken in
Melbourne today. 18 horses will be allowed to run.
Prize money for the British Open Golf Championship next year
is to be increased by the equivalent of almost $ 97,000 Australian
to make it the richest golf tournament in Europe.
There has been a cautious reaction in Salisbury to the news
that the Zimbabwe Rhodesia constitutional talks in London will.
resume in the absence of the-Patriotic-Front delegation! ABC's
London office says the British Foreign Secretary, Lord Carrington,
has indicated his readiness to continue the talks with only
the Salisbury delegation led by Bishop Muzorewa.
Police in Peking last night brought to an end a week-long
sit-in by 200 peasants who have been trying to put their
petitions of greivance to the country's leaders.
Coal miners in Queensland are expected to be back at work
by tomorrow morning following the anonymous payment of fines
imposed on one of their fellow workers. Mr. Bill Allison,
a member of the Queensland Colliery Employees Union was jailed
for 14 days yesterday afternoon for the non-payment of street
march fines.
A new Police Commissioner has been appointed in N. S. W.,
Mr. Jim Lees, who has been Acting Commissioner since the
resignation of Mr. Merv Wood in June.
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