Fed:Labor IR umpire plan another blow for small business =2

AAP General News (Australia)
04-26-2007
Fed:Labor IR umpire plan another blow for small business =2

Labor's spokesman for small business Craig Emerson said Ms Bailey's claims were just plain wrong.

"Shadow industrial relations minister, Julia Gillard and I have already indicated publicly
that unfair dismissal cases will be resolved by the independent umpire, not union officials,"

Dr Emerson said.

"The claim from Small Business Minister Fran Bailey of union domination is parroting
straight from John Howard's propaganda machine.

"Minister Bailey has today referred to foxes and hens, but there's a lot of parroting
going on in the coalition's farmyard."

He said Fair Work Australia would benefit small business as a one-stop shop for practical
information and guidance on rates of pay and minimum working conditions.

It would be a decentralised body with mobile experts in dispute resolution, including
on unfair dismissals, being available at venues agreed by employers, he said.

Fair Work Australia would have a central telephone information service and will publish
workplace information on its website.

"It will be efficient, effective, informal and easily accessible to all Australians,
including small businesses," he said.

"Minister Bailey's claim that Labor's Fair Work Australia will comprise union officials
who will decide unfair dismissal cases is plain wrong."

AAP cb/cjh/cdh

KEYWORD: WORKPLACE BAILEY 2 CANBERRA (REOPENS)

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