Did the PM really want IR reform to be this tough?
Christian Kerr writes:
Today's front pages are dominated by the prime minister's return to work to personally take up fight for his workplace changes – “facing demands to produce evidence they will deliver more jobs and better pay,” as the Sydney Morning Herald puts it. The PM has appeared on AM with his latest version of “trust me,” pointing to the doomsaying that preceded the introduction of the GST.
All of which makes an interesting rumour even more intriguing.
Crikey understands that Howard's key behind-the-scenes adviser Grahame Morris expressed major reservations about the industrial relations reform package while it was in its planning stage. We hear that Howard initally followed his svengali's advice, and only intended to introduce a watered-down version of what eventually materialised.
But then, so the story goes, he was prevailed upon by none other than his deputy, Peter Costello, who along with Workplace Relations minister Kevin Andrews argued and convinced the PM to go with the hardline approach to IR reform. Now it's the PM who's copping the flack.
