The Federal Government's Workplace Relations Amendment Act contravenes Catholic social doctrine, according to an Australian Catholic Social Justice Council discussion paper that examines the nation's industrial relations laws. It argues that the central claims made by supporters of the Act and the changes it introduced are either based on false choices or else just plain wrong.
The paper was prepared for the Australian Catholic Social Justice Council by Dr Tim Battin, senior lecturer in political economy and political science at the University of New England. The chairman of the council, Bishop Christopher Saunders of Broome, says Dr Battin’s perspective was that of a political economist analysing the practical effects of the IR legislation and the theories underpinning it, but also measuring them against the precepts of Catholic social teaching.
Dr Battin was concerned with its moral dimensions, the bishop said. On the concept that the Act 'deregulates' the 'labor market', Dr Battin says there is no such thing as 'de-regulation'; there is only re-regulation.
"In fact," he says, "the Workplace Relations Amendment Act runs to 675 pages, plus additional pages of regulations.
"To bring about change in one direction or another, all governments engage in re-regulation, bringing about different sets of winners and losers.
"In short, the supposed dichotomy between regulation and de-regulation is a red herring.
"The debate is about the kinds of regulations, institutions and markets we are to have. Whichever government regulation is being analysed, the questions to be asked include: who is better off and who worse off, and what is the effect on equity?
more
No comments:
Post a Comment