Fed: PM says unions will not be strangled by IR reform

AAP General News (Australia)
12-15-2004
Fed: PM says unions will not be strangled by IR reform

Prime Minister JOHN HOWARD says the union movement will not be strangled by proposed
industrial relations changes due to come before the Senate next year.

But Mr HOWARD says he wants to put an end to predatory union practices he says still
exist in Australia, when the coalition takes full control of the Senate on July the 1st
next year.

Since his election victory, Mr HOWARD has made it clear that that industrial relations
reform, after numerous setbacks in the Senate, is his first priority.

Speaking in Perth, the Prime Minister reiterated that he wants to ease the burden on
small business, while rejecting claims he is an extremist, out to destroy unionism.

He has told 6PR radio that people have a right to belong to unions, and unions have
a right to organise and advocate the interests of their members, but that people should
have free choice.

Mr HOWARD has also ruled out abolishing the Industrial Relations Commission, and says
the government won't make it impossible for unions to operate.

AAP RTV tc/wz/rt

KEYWORD: HOWARD UNIONS (PERTH)

2004 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.