This edition contains the following items: Senators grill Government about local government cuts; Push for reform as parents pay more for early childhood education and care; E-OZ and asbestos e-learning package; Local Resilience to Climate Change - Australia; Councils counting the cost of Budget decisions; Public Infrastructure: completion of inquiry; Professor Dollery article raising questions on costs of Councils mergers - do they add up; Reassurance on Roads to Recovery extension; plus more.
The articles all relate to the blog of Greg McLean, ASU Assistant National Secretary: http://www.asu.asn.au/blogs/categories/listings/greg-mclean
Senators grill Government about local government cuts - Senators have grilled senior Federal public servants over the cuts to local government funding in the Budget, particularly the freezing of indexation for the Financial Assistance Grants (which will cost councils $925 million in the next four years and hundreds of millions of dollars each year thereafter) and the termination of the supplementary roads funding for South Australian councils (worth $18 million per year). The Senate Budget Estimates hearings in Canberra on Tuesday have served to confirm the scale of the cuts to local government, the fact that the cuts to the FAGs will likely exceed the current value of the Roads to Recovery Program in around 2019-20 and the reality that councils will be forced to find additional revenue (perhaps from rates), cut services or find efficiencies. The issue of potential rate rises was the focus of fierce criticism by the Opposition and the question of efficiencies sparked a...
The extreme ideologues in his party—more suited to American style politics than our own—seem to have taken control. With their budget falling flat and their polling numbers in free fall what is the next trick Tony Abbott is looking to pull out of his bag? Attacking your rights at work, of course. It has never been more important for workers to be a member of their union and that is why tonight Australian Unions are launching a massive media blitz to say just that. Can you help spread the message about sticking together by sharing the ads with your friends and family? These new TV ads ran during the State of Origin game and continue in all states and territories, cities and towns over the next six weeks. Tony Abbott’s budget is only the beginning. In July the Government will push new laws attacking penalty rates and introducing harmful and unfair...
Push for reform as parents pay more for early childhood education and care
http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/early_childhood_news/early_childhood_news/may-media-release-push-for-reform-as-parents-pay-more-for-early-childhood-education-and-care.html A complete re-think of government subsidies is required as parents continue to pay more for early childhood education and care services, despite a significant increase in government expenditure. The Federal Government has continued a freeze on the maximum level of child care rebate for the next three years, and has also applied a freeze on the income threshold for the child care benefit. Detailed analysis from Early Childhood Australia (ECA) shows that by the end of the freeze (2017–18), families will be paying thousands more for services, despite the Federal Government committing more than $7 billion per year on subsidies. ‘The early childhood sector is growing rapidly—Treasury figures suggest that we could have 1.5 million children accessing approved care in the next financial year, with a 30 per cent increase in government expenditure’, said ECA CEO Samantha Page. ‘Despite this increase, the freeze on the subsidy thresholds will have a...
http://www.psiru.org/reports/shared-services-setting-unrealistic-expectations Shared Services' is a concept used by the private sector which has been adopted by the UK government. For the last decade, shared services systems have been introduced to central government departments, as a way of saving money. Evaluations, by the National Audit Office, show that the most striking feature of many schemes is that there are no savings and the quality of services falls. As there are still government plans to extent the outsourcing of shared services, there is a failure to learn from the experiences of the last 10 years....
E- OZ and asbestos e-learning package
https://emaplms.e-oz.com.au With the support of WorkCover NSW and industry representatives, Networks New South Wales has developed a freely available asbestos e-learning package for electrical workers providing important information on: What is asbestos The health risks associated with exposure to airborne asbestos Where asbestos containing materials may be found in the electrical industry The safety controls that minimise the risk of asbestos exposure Examples of real life electrical work situations involving asbestos More detail at https://emaplms.e-oz.com.au/login/index.php ...
Local Resilience to Climate Change - Australia
http://acelg.org.au/news/local-resilience-climate-change ACELG has released a new resource to assist Australian councils with climate risk assessment and planning activities. Entitled Climate Adaptation Manual for Local Government: Embedding Resilience to Climate Change, the Manual highlights leading case studies and practical resources from Australian municipalities and overseas, and includes a step-by-step framework for effectively embedding climate risk into council operations. The resource will be useful for council staff involved in climate risk assessment and planning such as asset managers, strategic planners, and corporate and community services staff. Advice ACLEG web site www.acelg.org.au ...
Councils across Australia are still coming to terms with the impact of the freezing of the Financial Assistance Grants (FAGs) in the Federal Budget and what it will mean for local communities. Councils across the contry have joined ALGA and the state local government associations in calling for the Government to re-think the decision which will place the provision of vital community services and infrastructure at risk. This week ALGA's president Mayor Felicity-ann Lewis wrote to every council in Australia calling on mayors and shire presidents to write to their local Coalition Federal Members and Senators to bring home to them the consequences at a local level of freezing indexation for FAGs. The decision to freeze the indexation of the grants will cost councils an estimated $925 million by 2017-18. For many smaller rural and remote councils where FAGS form the majority of their revenue, the impact will hit hardest....
Public Infrastructure: completion of inquiry
Final report sent to Government The final report of the inquiry into Public Infrastructure has been completed and sent to the Australian Government for its consideration. Next step in the inquiry process The release of the final report by the Government is the next step in the process. Under the Productivity Commission Act 1998, the Government is required to table the report in each House of the Parliament within 25 sitting days of receipt. When the Government releases the report, a copy will be made available to those participants who made submissions, appeared at the public hearings, attended the roundtable or were visited by the Commission. The report will be available for free download from the Commission’s website and printed copies will also be available for purchase from the Commission’s publications agent. Webpage www.pc.gov.au/projects/inquiry/infrastructure Advice form Productivity Commission ...
Professor Dollery article raising questions on costs of Councils mergers - do they add up ? http://www.theherald.com.au/story/2298372/opinion-evidence-shows-cost-of-council-mergers/?cs=308 Professor Dollery article raising questions on costs of Councils mergers the article well worth a read ...
Reassurance on Roads to Recovery extension - Australian Local Government Association
In recent weeks the President of the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA), Mayor Felicity-ann Lewis, has sought and received assurances from the Government and the Opposition that they both support the extension of the Roads to Recovery program beyond 30 June 2014. ALGA, like many councils around Australia, has been concerned by reports that legislation currently before the Parliament (the Land Transport Infrastructure Bill 2014) would not be passed resulting in an end to the Roads to Recovery program. ALGA has held discussions with both the Government and Opposition in recent weeks in an effort to seek assurances that the current program would not be affected by the actions of either major party. It is clear that both sides of politics are completely committed to extending Roads to Recovery to 2019, but it is also clear that there is disagreement between them on other issues included in the Bill before...
More Australians Choosing Fuel Efficient Cars to Cut Costs and Reduce Emissions Australian motorists are continuing to choose more environmentally friendly and fuel efficient cars according to an analysis released on Saturday by the National Transport Commission (NTC). CEO of the NTC Paul Retter said the average annual carbon dioxide emissions rating of new passenger vehicles and light commercial vehicles fell to 192 grams per kilometre travelled last year – the third highest drop since records started being kept in 2002. “Whether Australians are trying to cut their fuel bills or are trying to help reduce their carbon emissions, more and more families are choosing more fuel-efficient vehicles,” Mr Retter said. (Read more)...
In an article published at http://www.governmentnews.com.au/2014/05/raft-cost-savings-reforms-risk-budget/ The Australian Centre for Excellence in Local Government (ACELG) warning that Federal Budget cuts have left “local communities in the lurch.” - the article is well worth reading .. ...
Service Skills advice on NWDF - not good news for local government
National Workforce Development Fund As part of the 2014 Federal Budget in May 2014, the Government announced that the National Workforce Development Fund will close. This follows a previous government announcement that as at 21 March 2014, the Department of Industry would not be accepting or processing applications or requests for funding extensions for discretionary grants including the National Workforce Development Fund ahead of the Federal Budget in May 2014. Applications will not be reopened. Applications submitted under the National Workforce Development Fund on or before 21 March 2014 will be progressed and if approved for funding will be supported through existing arrangements. There is no impact on existing projects and training funded through these projects. Current contracts will be honoured through existing arrangements with the Industry Skills Councils. If you have any questions regarding this advice in relation to the National Workforce Development Fund please contact the National Workforce...
Update water industry operators association –
The May Edition of Words in now available to download from our website. Coming Events / Opportunities Call for Papers & Posters for the Victorian Conference the closing date for abstracts is Tomorrow Wednesday 21 May 2014 Delegate Registrations for the Queensland Conference & Exhibition We are still accepting registrations for this event to be held on 4 & 5 June 2014. We have a fantastic line up of presentations and over 100 exhibitors will be in attendance in Logan Water Quality Awareness & Distribution Systems Management Seminar will be held in Wodonga on 8 July 2014 ...
CS&HISCs submissions to the Inquiry into 457 Visa 2014, and Inquiry on the Future of Childcare are now public and included on our online Reports, Summaries and Submissions library. The Senate has also released its report on Technical and Further Education in Australia, to which CS&HISC provided both written and in-person submissions. The release of a further report by the House of Representatives on its inquiry into TAFE and decisions arising from the ongoing review of the VET system is pending. More ......
Around the local govt training packages ..at this stage the meeting locations in each city have not been finalised , so it is possible, but unlikely the dates will move . As soon as we have confirmation of the dates and exact meeting location in each city we will pass onto you. Could you please just note the dates with a view to having any one in your branch interested mark the dates in their diaries, pending confirmation advice . I’ll also advise of any additional dates and locations that are passed on... Monday 30th June (9:30-12:30 or 1-4pm), Brisbane Tuesday 1st July (9:30-12:30 or 1-4pm), Sydney Wednesday 2nd July (9:30-12:30 or 1-4pm), Melbourne Wednesday 9th July (9:30-12:30 or 1-4pm), Perth ...
SIS Sport, Fitness & Recreation Training Package: Draft 1 Fitness & Community Recreation - Closed for Feedback Sport, Fitness & Recreation Service Skills Australia (SSA) has just concluded the first stage of consultation to ensure that the fitness and community recreation qualifications within the Sports, Fitness and Recreation Training Package are of high-quality and reflect the current workforce skills needs of the industry. Consultation for Draft 1 of the Fitness and Community Recreation components of the SIS Training Package is closed and feedback will now be collated and analysed. Further targeted consultation will be untaken to validate the changes needed for draft 2. We anticipate draft 2 being ready in July. For further information please click here or contact Elly Snyder esnyder@serviceskills.com.au Back to top » ...
Aged Care Innovation Update - from CS&HISC - local government aged care services
The past month has seen a lot of major activities within the Aged Care Workforce Innovation Network (WIN) program. We’ve collected, collated and condensed information from these activities for you to access on our website from one page. Follow the link below to watch videos and presentations from the Aged Care WIN National Forum and our recent Regional Project events: The Elephant in the Room conference including the 'What CDC means for you'; and the Make HASTE Expo, and the benefits of assistive technology video. More......
Freedom of speech v protection from racial vilification? - public interest advocacy centre
http://www.piac.asn.au/publication/2014/05/protecting-people-racism-and-ensuring-freedom-speech?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=May%20E-Bulletin&utm_content=May%20E-Bulletin+CID_142ab46e9b733b6881be66c03f31711f&utm_source=CampaignMonitor&utm_term=here PIAC recommends significant amendments to the Exposure Draft of the Freedom of Speech (Repeal of s18C) Bill 2014. ‘Freedom of speech is a crucial element of informed participation in representative democracy. However, permitting serious insult, offence and humiliation on the basis of a person’s race does not improve Australia’s democracy,’ said PIAC’s CEO, Edward Santow. ‘In relation to racial vilification, the law must strike a balance between permitting the expression of views that might be disagreeable or worse, but drawing a line at speech that causes unreasonable harm to others. ‘It is also important to acknowledge that freedom of speech cannot always be equally exercised. Not everyone has the power or ability to speak up against racism when it happens.’ Although PIAC supports the Attorney-General in seeking to clarify the law, it does not believe that the Exposure Draft strikes the right balance between competing public interests. PIAC has identified...
savage assault to the heart of the Australian way of life https://actuonline.nationbuilder.com/donate?utm_campaign=budget_adlaunch&utm_medium=email&utm_source=actuonline This is the first part of a two-pronged attack on the Australian way of life. Last night was a demolition job on the social wage—Medicare, pensions, hospitals, schools and the welfare safety net—that we spent a century building. In July Tony Abbott will start his attack on pay, conditions and your rights at work. That is why there is no time to waste in getting the message out. Will you help spread the word about Abbott’s attacks by sharing the ads with family and friends? Our movement is ready for these attacks. We have the plans in place to fight back. Tony Abbott might have the big donor money and the trappings of power on his side but we have something much more powerful - two million supporters like you who can take our message directly into communities around the country. We have taken on powerful interests before and won...
How the Budget will affect you
http://workinglife.org.au/2014/05/13/how-the-budget-will-affect-you/ FROM young job seekers to pensioners, with students, apprentices and mature age workers in between, few Australians will not feel the effects of the Budget. Snapshot of some of the main changes and how they will affect you: http://workinglife.org.au/2014/05/13/how-the-budget-will-affect-you/ ...
http://www.psiru.org/reports/shared-services-setting-unrealistic-expectations Shared Services' is a concept used by the private sector which has been adopted by the UK government. For the last decade, shared services systems have been introduced to central government departments, as a way of saving money. Evaluations, by the National Audit Office, show that the most striking feature of many schemes is that there are no savings and the quality of services falls. As there are still government plans to extent the outsourcing of shared services, there is a failure to learn from the experiences of the last 10 years....
Mixed fortunes with FAGs frozen, roads and bridges funded -
Tuesday night's Federal Budget decision to freeze the indexation of Financial Assistance Grants (FAGs) was certainly unexpected. 1997-98 is the last time FAGs were not fully indexed and that was a single year in which FAGs were partially indexed. The freezing of FAGs at $2.28 billion per annum until 2017-18 will see the value of the grants decline each year as CPI and population growth continue to increase. Councils already struggling to keep pace with increasing financial pressures will be hit hard by this decision. On a more positive note, ALGA welcomed the Federal Government's decision to confirm its commitment to Roads to Recovery (R2R) funding at $350m per annum. The Budget has flagged an additional $350 million to be provided in R2R funding in 2015-16 from the Asset Recycling program once established. A new $300m program for the renewal of bridges, to be spread over five years, will also...
Federal Government Budget affects - ACTU re Young Workers , Apprentices and Students
ACTU President Ged Kearney - young workers, apprentices and students - how thru budget will hurt !! http://www.actu.org.au/Media/Mediareleases/AbbottGovernmenttearsapartAustralianwayoflife.aspx http://www.actu.org.au/Media/Mediareleases/HorrorBudgetbeatsuponthenextgenerationyouthunemploymentcouldrise.aspx ...
Local government hit directly and indirectly by Federal Budget http://www.asu.asn.au/news/categories/localgovt/140514-local-government-budget As the principal union in the sector, the Australian Services Union is disturbed to report that local government has taken a big hit from last night's Budget. In fact, it seems that the Federal Government is actively de-prioritising local government as a policy area. The Budget cuts have hit local government and their communities both directly and indirectly through the loss of funding programs, reduced grants and the removal of many of the skills and training programs local government has relied on," said ASU Assistant National Secretary Greg McLean. Losses to the sector include the freezing of expected increases to the Local Government Financial Assistance Grants Programme. This means less money for local government and, in fact, the funding will go backwards. Based on the Federal Government's own figures, that's almost $1 billion dollars taken away from local government that would have otherwise provided services to local communities. "The Federal...
To ASU LG Organisers Recently after discussion with ASU Representatives on the GSA Local Government Advisory Committee , around the support of the review of the “ local government operational works qualification “ the general qualification for local government outdoor workers , working across civil construction . I have written to Skills DMC (the construction skills council ) and the Department of Industry (national) in support of local government workers covered under the ‘ civil operations ‘ side of local government concerning the integrity of the local government qualification and its relevance to the DMC units and recognition. On one hand this seems an important issue for cross recognition of local government ‘ operational works ‘ with the private sector general construction civil works , but from my part there is also the link to recognition of the local government workforce qualification both for arguing salary and wage comparison with LG...
Concerns over forced privatisation of state government assets http://www.asu.asn.au/news/categories/publicsector/140514-privatisation-state-govt-assets In last night’s Budget the Federal Government tried to sweeten the state government pot. The formula to top up state assets with resources obtained from the privatisation of Medibank, recently discussed between state governments and the Commonwealth, might sound a good idea, but it will have a negative effect on state governments if they accept the offer. The effects would be felt in both financial income to the states, loss of regional employment as well as reduced services and the movement of monies overseas, not to mention increasing the Australian balance of trade through increased foreign capital. "State governments should be advised not to fall into the trap of considering this option and to look beyond a year one 15% percent incentive," said ASU Assistant National Secretary Greg McLean. "If you were to take a 15% increase in sale revenue and spread it over the life of the asset...
article from Government News on funding for local government http://www.governmentnews.com.au/2014/05/catastrophic-impact-warning-councils-axing-federal-funds-local-government/ Councils across Australia are bracing themselves for a crippling blow to their finances if the Abbott government adopts a key recommendation from the National Commission of Audit that would cut off direct funding from the Commonwealth and divert the money back through the states. The nation’s mayors and councillors have gone into crisis mode to try and head off a bid to cut off funds from Canberra and trunk the money through the states, a move that’s likely to trigger a major backlash from federal Coalition partners The Nationals Core programs including Financial Assistance Grants (FAGs) and Roads to Recovery (R2R) that have for decades provided an essential source of financial help for councils that otherwise struggle to deliver basic services have been identified as at risk in the massive catalogue of proposed cuts in the Commission of Audit. The move would put councils completely at the monetary mercy of...
New Playground Standards - from Standards Australia - Local Government
Standards Australia announced significant changes to playground standards which will make playgrounds more fun, stimulating and exciting. “One of the joys of Australian childhood is being outdoors racing around and having fun with your friends in playgrounds. Far from wrapping kids in cotton wool, this standard is all about challenging kids and developing important skills for life,” said Dr Bronwyn Evans, Chief Executive Officer, Standards Australia. “The standard will allow Australian children to taste risk and excitement. They will perceive they are taking greater risks, and in so doing stretch and test their limits," said Associate Professor David Eager http://www.standards.org.au/OurOrganisation/News/Pages/Australian-Standard-for-Playground-Equipment.aspx Advice from Standards Australia E-news ...
Natural Disaster Funding Inquiry to focus on mitigation
The Productivity Commission has received the terms of reference for an inquiry into natural disaster funding which will be completed by December 2014. The focus of the inquiry is on whether the Federal Government has got the balance right between recovery and mitigation, with many believing more needs to be done on the mitigation front. ALGA has long called for more targeted mitigation funding to assist councils to address natural disaster risks and last year Deloitte Access Economics produced a report for the Australian Business Roundtable for Disaster Resilience and Safer Communities which highlighted the benefits of mitigation. The enormous cost of natural disasters in recent years, particularly flooding in Queensland, has impacted on the Federal Budget and provided the impetus for the Federal Government to examine current funding arrangements. From a local government perspective, councils have been calling not just for additional spending on mitigation but also for a...
Child Care - is the business model really good value to tax payers , maybe not ????
Recently I read an article that raised a number of issues on child care from the business perspective and included a reference to the ABC child care business model. To most of us the ABC business model caused great concern, to some, on the services to our children and a model that brought child care " Big business " both in Australia and other countries as the ABC model rolled on, ultimately whether it was the business model used or the company over extended, paid its owners too much or whatever the reason, we know that the model or any other model that puts the for profit motive in the same box as a public service, we know a few things. 1) Business models always have a risk 2) shareholders come first 3) profit is the driving force , just like any contracted out govt provided service 4) large child care...
Commonwealth funding for councils to end under Audit Commission Report
Commonwealth funding for local councils would end under the recommendations of the Commission of Audit Report released on Thursday 1 May. The Federal Budget, to be handed down in 12 days time is expected to pick up some of the 86 recommendations, with others to be adopted in coming months. The recommendations seek to return the Budget to surplus through substantial savings and would also see the Commonwealth Government give up $25 billion of income tax revenue and end its involvement in an enormous range of areas and pass responsibility to the states. Of major concern to ALGA are the recommendations in Volume 2 (recommendations five and 22) that the Commonwealth end its funding for local government, including the Financial Assistance Grants (FAGs) program and the Roads to Recovery (R2R) program. The Report also recommends an end to Regional Development Australia Committees and that the Commonwealth leaves regional development issues to...
Understanding Rail Course If you are new to the Rail Industry, or have recently assumed a different or broader role, or perhaps you have been in rail for years and believe a refreshing update of the entire Australasian Rail Industry would be beneficial, then Understanding Rail is the course for you. The two-day course (including a networking dinner) has been designed for those interested in gaining an up-to-date, high level overview of all aspects of the Rail Industry including the operational, technical, legislative and business environment, as well as providing valuable networking opportunities. Speakers are drawn from ARA members, and include CEOs, Executive General Managers, Executive Directors etc. The course is a great opportunity to learn from people who have been working in the rail industry for many years and gain from their wealth of knowledge and experience. The course content and registration form available on the ARA website Registration fees...
Finalists announced in local government awards
CATEGORY finalists have been announced in the National Awards for Local Government, highlighting innovative projects that deliver better outcomes for communities. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss said the Awards finalists should be commended for their hard work that is making a real difference in local Australian communities. “Two finalists have been announced in each of the six award categories, recognising the important role of local government in both urban and regional communities across Australia,” Mr Truss said. The 2014 category finalists are: Arts Animates—excellence in community engagement and participation Holroyd City Council, NSW—Hay Holroyd "Make a Choice" Young person’s video project Clarence Valley Council, NSW—PLUNGE: Insider’s guide to arts and cultural events Disability Access and Inclusion Hume City Council, VIC—School Holiday Program for Indigenous Children with a Disability Melton City Council, VIC —Disability Action Plan 2013-2017 and Launch Improve Productivity and Regional Development Townsville...
Childcare and Early Childhood Learning, the Productivity Commission
Childcare and Early Childhood Learning, the Productivity Commission offered a facility on its website to enable time-poor members of the community to provide comments on their experiences with early childhood education and care. The Commission is extremely grateful to the 700 or so individuals who have shared their views so far. For those individuals who gave permission for their comments to be used anonymously by the Commission in its reporting, the Commission has collated these comments and has now made them available on the Inquiry webpage - http://www.pc.gov.au/projects/inquiry/childcare/comment Advice from Productivity Commission www.pc.gov.au ...
ACELG - 7th Local Government Workforce Development National Forum.
Papers now available - 1.From the presentation by Melissa Gibbs about ACELG’s data, here is a link to the profile of the workforce publication. http://www.acelg.org.au/sites/default/files/ACELG_Workforce_Survey_Executive_Summary_-_FINAL.pdf 2.From the presentation by Dr Damian Oliver from Sydney University, here is a link to his National Regional Workforce Planning and Development report. http://www.scotese.natese.gov.au/publications 3.Government Skills Australia have put together a website about the various careers in local government, which includes the range of jobs in the sector, job vacancies and other career resources and information. Some of you may have picked up a colourful poster that GSA left out on the tables, but whether you did or didn’t, the website is: http://localgovernmentcareers.com.au/ 4.As pointed out by one of the representatives from the Department of Employment, under the most recent National Partnership Agreement on Skills Reform the Commonwealth has provided funding to State and Territory Governments to implement a national entitlement to a government subsidised training...
New report reveals secret international trade negotiations threaten our public services
The Australian Services Union’s global affiliate Public Services International (PSI) has today released a new report that reveals secret trade negotiations may threaten public services across the globe, including in Australia. The ASU, as the principal union in local government and utilities (water & energy) is alarmed at findings that not only could public services be entirely privatised but that such privatisation could be made irreversible. With the resumption of secret negotiations for the Trade in Services Agreement (TISA) in Geneva, Switzerland, the campaign to protect the community from undermining of public services has accelerated. The ASU is part of this global campaign by users of public services and public service workers who are demanding the release of more information on this sweeping trade deal and assurance that it will not affect provision of any public services. The PSI report released today is the first study to examine...
water industry operators association - where ASU members are .....
April Edition of Words in now available to download from our website. Coming Events / Opportunities Delegate Registrations for the Queensland Conference & Exhibition We are now accepting registrations for this event to be held on 4 & 5 June 2014. We have a fantastic line up of presentations and over 100 exhibitors will be in attendance in Logan Call for Papers & Posters for the Victorian Conference the closing date for abstracts is Wednesday 21 May 2014 Smart Water Research Centre is holding an Activated Sludge and Biological Nutrient Reduction Course from 7-11 July 2014 Advice from water industry operators association www.wioa.org.au ...
Trade deals can’t be at expense of Australian jobs http://www.asu.asn.au/news/categories/international/140415-trade-deals Australian unions today said that trade deals can't be negotiated at the expense of Australian workers and local jobs following reports that Prime Minister Tony Abbott is facing demands from China that it be allowed to bring in workers for projects funded by Chinese investors. ...
The recently announced Free Trade Agreement with Japan does not include the right for foreign investors to sue our government (ISDS)! Thanks to all of you who sent messages to the Trade Minister as part of our campaign. AFTINET's convener, Dr Patricia Ranald, has written a piece for The Drum http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-04-08/ranald-australia-must-reject-legal-straightjacket-on-trade/5375094 which explains why this is so important, and outlines our concerns about the secrecy of the agreement. Meanwhile, we are continuing our campaign around the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), and against ISDS provisions in all trade agreements. advice from AFTINET www.aftinet.org.au ...