Work Choices 'could force down wages'
Jun 21, 2006
Labor and the unions have a new ally in their battle to overturn the Government's industrial laws - Sydney's Cardinal George Pell.
(The Daily Telegraph, June 19, 2006) The Catholic leader has come out against the Work Choices laws, saying he is afraid they could be used to force down minimum wages.
Cardinal Pell's comments are likely to be used by Labor when parliament resumes today ahead of a six-week winter break.
Not satisfied with parliament as the only arena for debate, Opposition Leader Kim Beazley wants to take on Prime Minister John Howard in the car park of the Spotlight store in the NSW north coast town of Coffs Harbour.
The store's offer of a workplace agreement trading off some conditions for a pay rise of two cents an hour, has become a focal point for Labor's attack on the Government.
Mr Howard says parliament is the proper forum for debate.
Work Choices 'could force down wages'