CPSU calls on Independents to block Higher Education Bill

The federal secretary of the union covering all non-academic staff in Australia’s 38 public universities, David Carey, today urged the four independent Senators to reject the Federal Government’s proposed Higher Education Bill when it is debated in the senate this week.

The Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU) predicts the Government's reforms will lead to an explosion of casual, short term and seasonal employment in the sector.

Mr Carey predicted that were the bill to pass the senate it would amount to a direct attack on the job security of working families.

"By outlawing limits on casual and short-term contracts, this Government will oversee the destruction of job security in our universities," Mr Carey said.

"This could be the last year that many staff are employed over the Christmas period."

Although the government has made almost 30 amendments to the bill, none addressed the crucial linking of industrial relations reform to $404 million in funding. This includes the requirement that employers not restrict the number of causal staff that are employed.

"Australian working families will be the big losers if Dr Nelson gets his way and the Bill is passed."

"This sort of industrial blackmail has been unheard of in Australia and sets a dangerous precedent for all Australian workers," Mr Carey said<>

Media conference:
12 noon, Tuesday, 25 November, 2003
Parliament House, Macquarie Street, Sydney - Level 6 Press Gallery