IR Reform

Australia's Labor and Liberal parties are currently engaged in a fierce battle over the Howard government's new Industrial Relations laws. The IR laws govern employee rights, which Liberals have argued are an unnecessary burden on employers and the Australian economy. Meanwhile, Labor counters that the laws are a hand-out to big business and threaten to undermine the wages, benefits, and job security of Australia's workers. Labor members have been using the talking point that the new IR laws will create an "American style working poor." A bit harsh, but perhaps fair - Australia's minimum wage stands at $467.40 per week or $12.30 per hour, compared with $5.15 per hour in the U.S. Both parties are spending millions on ad campaigns to influence public opinion, and Labor has its issue for the next election.