Vic election: Coalition splitting on IR laws

Remarks by Nationals MP Peter Hall have shown a widening gulf between Victoria's conservative parties, with Liberal leader Ted Baillieu backing the IR reforms.

In an interview with the Australian Education Union journal, Mr Hall distanced his party from the Liberals, saying: "I think the new IR laws are a worry. I can understand teachers being nervous."

Victorian Trades Hall Council secretary Brian Boyd applauded the Labor strategy of highlighting the federal laws, saying the reforms were deeply unpopular in the state, particularly among young working people.

He said he expected almost 100,000 to fill the Melbourne Cricket Ground for a union protest rally on November 30, five days after the state election.

"We think we're on a winner in terms of what the public perception, especially in Victoria, is," Mr Boyd said.

"The IR laws are hurting, they need to go, and we think Bracksie is on a winner with it. It's not a matter of being desperate. I think it's good politics. There are lots of anecdotal stories coming through in terms of what's happening to young working people. A lot of young people are starting to hurt and I think a lot of parents are worried about what the legislation will mean for their kids."

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