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Giving the Lie to the ACCI

Mr Howard and his side-kick, Kevin Andrews [have you ever seen him smile?] seem intent on pressing on with their new IR laws notwithstanding criticisms from many quarters. Significent isn't it that the taxpayer-funded research on the effect of the proposed new laws undertaken by the Treasury isn't being released publicly - despite calls for it be done so. One must conclude that the research doesn't support the Government's arguments on the benefits for all Australians if the new laws are brought in.

The economic effect of the new IR laws seem suspect and the long-term effect on the well being of the nation and its workers highly questionable. Of course the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry is in there batting for the legislation. But then its members are those who occupy positions in corporations where salary-levels for executives are obscene irrespective of whether the company is prospering or not or even if they are dismissed.

Adele Horin in the SMH yesterday had an insightful piece on the proposed IR laws and a dissection in easily-understood language by an eminent tax economist of the negative flow on of the legislation for middle-class working families. Has anyone thought of tackling Messrs Howard and Andrews on the propositions put forward by Professor Apps? Now there is something worthwhile the SMH reporters could do.......!

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