These pernicious and destructive IR laws have to be confronted...

These pernicious and destructive IR laws have to be confronted and eventually overthrown (as doubtless they will be, when this pathetic government is kicked out). The laws were designed by the ACTU and tailor-made to meet the unions' greedy demands. Full marks to WHC for taking this lot on -- even if it's likely to cost them dearly in lost productivity and strike action etc over the next 6-9 months.

On the upside, a wave of industrial action over the next six months is likely to put some further nails in this hopeless government's coffin. Remember the regular waves of strikes in key sectors during the 1970s and early 1980s, designed to inflict maximum economic damage and greatest possible inconvenience to the public? Well, they're coming again, folks. But let's be positive: a national strike in the airline/transport sector in the lead-up to Christmas, combined with some decent blackouts in January/February (thanks, Chris Bowen) should be enough to have this lot turfed out in the election next May. The other possibility -- a minority Labor government with the backing of the Greens and Teals -- would be a national calamity, and mark the end of Australia as we've known it.

Where are the modern equivalents of Bob Hawke and Bill Kelty in today's ALP/ACTU? Sadly, they don't exist. Bill Kelty himself is still alive, of course, and made his views clear on Albanese & co in his public comments last week.