To the Honourable Speaker of the House and Members of the House assembled in Parliament:

The petition of certain citizens of Australia draws the attention of the House to the fact that Australian employees are worse off as a result of the Howard Government’s changes to the industrial relations system.

The petitioners call upon the Howard Government to adopt a plan to produce a fair industrial relations system based on fairness and the fundamental principles of minimum standards, wages and conditions; safety nets; an independent umpire; the right to associate; and the right to collectively bargain.

The petitioners therefore ask the House to ensure that the Howard Government delivers:

(1)   Proper rights for Australian workers who are unfairly dismissed.

(2)   A strong safety net of minimum awards and conditions.

(3)   An independent umpire to ensure fair wages and conditions, and to settle disputes.

(4)   The right for employees to bargain collectively for decent wages and conditions.

(5)   The right for workers to reject individual contracts which cut pay and conditions, and undermine collective bargaining and union representation.

(6)   The right to join a union and be represented by a union.