Call for Opposition to condemn TLC planned day of action

6/6/93

Premier Richard Court today called upon Opposition Leader Dr Lawrence to unreservedly condemn the TLC's proposed day of action.

Premier Court said that Dr Lawrence had a moral duty to condemn the planned industrial action organised by the trade union leadership since she was the key architect of the Government's financial problems.

"During Dr Lawrence's three years as Premier, the State debt increased by nearly $1 billion each year to top over $11 billion.

"Dr Lawrence consistently used the Bankcard to pay for politically motivated expenditures during the past three years particularly during the lead up to the last State election.

"No responsible political leader could sanction this kind of industrial action when many small businesses in particular are only now recovering from the effects of the recession.

"This industrial action will only undermine the recovery of the private sector in our State as well as harm Western Australia's international business reputation.

"Dr Lawrence should rise above the political power of the trade union leadership and clearly distance herself and the Labor Party from this unwanted strike action.

"The union leadership is out of touch with its own membership in calling for this day of action since more than 900 workers in Westrail have already submitted formal expressions of interest in the Government's redundancy scheme with 388 coming from the Midland operations.

"The CSA has taken a responsible position on this matter and one which the Labor Party should follow.

"Making the public sector more efficient and reducing costs to the private sector is the only way in which long term sustainable jobs can be created as Dr Lawrence clearly knows.

"The State has to properly manage state finances if we are to again regain our triple A rating which was lost under Dr Lawrence because of the growing levels of State debt.

"The Coalition Government wants to achieve a truly balanced budget and end the Lawrence practice of using long term borrowings to pay for current expenditure.

"Properly managing Government finances after a decade of spiralling levels of State debt is a key objective of this Government and should be fully supported by Dr Lawrence," he said.

Contact: Jack Gilleece tel 222 9480 (W) or 246 1136 (H).