CPI highest since introduction of GST; Costello celebrates memory of Dollar Sweets proprietor; and Progress on tax arrangements for Hardie asbestos compensation, says Combet.
OWS chief Nick Wilson has blamed the ACTU for a "relentless campaign to impugn the reputation and integrity" of his office, but did not deny being the source of a newspaper report attacking the credibility of the ACTU's advertising campaign against Work Choices.
The labour movement has today declared war on the Office of Workplace Services, with Opposition Leader Kim Beazley vowing to abolish it and the ACTU cancelling OWS head Nick Wilson's appearance at a conference in Sydney. The ACTU and ALP took the action after newspapers reported the agency had investigated and found lawful the unfair dismissal cases highlighted in the unions' latest round of anti-Work Choices commercials.
The Australian Industry Group is calling for changes to the Federal Government's Independent Contractors legislation to remove exemptions for state government laws on owner drivers and soften penalties for "misrepresentation" of employment contracts.
PM's "further reforms" comments didn't refer to IR, says office; OWS targets clothing trades industry; and Work Choices will increase disparity between regions, says Crean.
The administrators of struggling car parts maker Huon Corporation will have their claim for properties held by former company identities mediated under an order of the Victorian Supreme Court.
The Australian Government should provide $1 billion additional manufacturing assistance to head-off the 200,000 job losses that are otherwise likely to occur in the sector by 2020, according to a report by the National Institute of Economic and Industry Research.
Striking car part workers at Huon Corporation are likely to return to work by mid-morning today following the agreement of major customers to a rescue plan, unions say.
Major Australian car makers baulked at signing a rescue package for parts maker Huon Corporation last night, continuing a strike at its Victorian operations and threatening further stand downs, including in the South Australian car industry.
