LIBS BACK OFF ON AWAs

Red News Readers,

Rudd's bluff worked!! The Libs are backing off big time!! They know that to face a double dissolution election now, would be annihilation for them,

Jenny Haines

Coalition makes 'U-turn' on AWAs

February 19, 2008 - 1:21PM, smh

The federal coalition will not oppose the passage of legislation dismantling the Howard government's workplace laws through the House of Representatives.

Opposition workplace relations spokeswoman Julie Bishop said the position had been endorsed unanimously by the shadow cabinet and the joint party room.

"The coalition will not oppose the passage of Labor's workplace relations bill introduced on the 13th of February through the house," she told reporters.

Ms Bishop said the legislation had already been referred to a Senate committee.

"I can't pre-empt the Senate committee but given what the coalition position is in the house, you can have an expectation that there will be a similar position in the Senate, subject to the Senate inquiry."

Ms Bishop said she will propose two amendments to Labor's bill to ensure it provided both fairness and flexibility in the workplace.

Firstly, the federal opposition would move to extend the expiry date of new individual contracts directly negotiated between employees and employers, she said.

"The amendment I propose to move in the house is that the nominal expiry date of Labor's individual agreements be extended to five years," Ms Bishop said.

"This will give certainty to employers and employees, particularly those that are involved in longer term projects, as well as enable Labor to move more quickly on its substantive legislation to set up its new regime."

Labor's no disadvantage test would apply to the new individual contracts, Ms Bishop said.

© 2008 AAP