The makeup of the next Australian Government remains uncertain following the recent Australian elections. With both major parties requiring the support of key independents in order to form a minority Government, both parties continue to negotiate to garner support. The situation has gone very quiet on the ground with both major parties locked in negotiations to form the next Government.
Given that the Greens have already indicated their support for Labor, the decision as to who forms the next election rests in the hands of four independents. Three of these independents are rural based MP's whom have traditionally had close connection to the conservative side of the Parliament. Although these three MP's have expressed their openeness in working with a Labor Government, it remains to be seen what concessions these individuals will require in order to guarantee their support. We are not expecting a decision for a few more days yet.
Across Australia, construction workers are still under attack from separate industry laws left over from John Howard’s era, and the Australian Building and Construction Commissioner (ABCC) continues to enforce its coercive powers with workers being prosecuted for exercising their human rights.
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The conservative leader, Tony Abbott, and his Finance spokesperson have admitted that pay equity remains a significant issue but have failed to set out any of the steps they would take to address the issue as they will no doubt let the issue slide if they are elected to Government (under the previous Workchoice laws, pay inequality grew for the first time in 25 years). Abbott has already given strong indications and policy pledges that he intends to cut public services and has no doubt watched with interest as David Cameron attempts to dismantle and attack public services in the UK.
The choice between moving forward as a nation or reverting back to the Liberals with their incessant attacks on workers and their rights is a stark choice for these independents. Lets hope they make the right decision.