I agree, but the minimum wage and award system are (highly desirable) social safety nets that genuine free market thought rejects. Retaining these safety nets places the libs at right of centre, not at the totally free market end of economic thought.
The points in the HR Magazine link relating to award wage rates and the Bill that will require the AIRC to take into account the effect of wage increases on employment rates will not have a discernible effect on their decision making processes. The AIRC (and its predecessors) have always had regard to broader economic concerns when considering national wage cases and the Bill the article refers to will not change this. Employer groups predictably trot out the "increased wages costs jobs" argument whenever presenting wage case submissions to the AIRC.
Having said all that, I agree that the libs (or either major party) having control of both houses may be a concern. We'll just have to wait and see whether they overstep the mark - it bothers me when they speak of mandates.
Last edited by Leo; 11-23-2004 at 04:54 AM..
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