Preface
The Committee received over 500 submissions and conducted
eight public hearings. While the number of submissions is only about one-third
of the number received during the 1996 inquiry into the Workplace Relations
Act, they nevertheless followed the same trend.
A Senate inquiry into legislation tends to attract
submissions from those people or organisations who are opposed to the
legislation, as those who are supportive generally see no need to make
submissions in relation to a Bill which has passed in the House of
Representatives and which they support.
This inquiry has been no exception, and an orchestrated
campaign by unions saw many like-minded submissions, from unions and other
individuals and organisations who are opposed to the passage of the legislation,
being made to the Committee.
An opportunity was given to many of those who submitted
similar evidence to speak to their submissions at the public hearings.
In preparing this report the Committee has attempted to put
in perspective the view of those who supported, and those who opposed, the
legislation.
The full transcript of the public hearings, and all of the
submissions (other than confidential submissions) are available to the public.
Senator Alan Ferguson
Chair
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