Under questioning on the ABC AM program today, Tony Abbott changed his
position on workplace relations from the one he outlined last Saturday
which was different again from his May Budget Reply speech.
Mr Abbott also this morning admitted on the Ch9 Today Show that it was
because he had 'an election to win' that he was changing his tune on
WorkChoices.
On 3AW today Mr Abbott also refused to guarantee there would not be
changes to workplace relations if he is elected.
ACTU President Ged Kearney said Tony Abbott was flip-flopping on
workplace relations because he is desperate to cover up his real
intentions.
"Tony Abbott wants to bring back as much of WorkChoices as he can get
away with.
"But he cannot pull the wool over the public's eyes when it comes to the
Coalition's track record.
"Mr Abbott should be judged on what he and his Party did when they were
in government.
"We know that when the Coalition was last in power they secretly brought
in WorkChoices and did all they could to deprive working Australians of
their rights.
"Deregulation of labour market that gives employers more power is what
the Liberals believe in, so why would working people think they would do
otherwise if they are elected?"
"Under the Coalition we would see a repeat of WorkChoices, with the
reintroduction of individual contracts that cut workers' take home pay
and the removal of protection from unfair dismissal.
"Mr Abbott and the Liberals are also on the record as wanting to cut the
minimum conditions for young workers and cuts to public holiday pay and
other basic job conditions.
"Many changes that will hurt working Australians can be made through
regulations, Ministerial directions or other avenues.
"The Coalition simply cannot be trusted on workplace relations.
"We know exactly what the Coalition will do if elected - it will be
WorkChoices by another name," said Ms Kearney