PUBLIC INTEREST THE LOSER FROM ATTEMPT TO PREVENT ACCESS TO WORKCHOICES DATA
October 9, 2007
University staff on Tuesday expressed alarm over an attempt by the Workplace Authority to deny university researchers access to important data on the impacts of the Federal Government’s industrial relations changes.
This followed a media report that the Workplace Authority head Barbara Bennett had written to two researchers denying them access to samples of people’s Australian Workplace Agreements (AWAs).
Researchers have previously been allowed access to this data, with privacy being protected by blacking out the names and addresses of the individuals concerned.
Dr Carolyn Allport, NTEU President, said:
“This latest development, coming in the wake of last week’s attempt by Workplace Relations Minister Joe Hockey to demean the authors of a report critical of the Government’s industrial relations changes, is completely contradictory.”
“On the one hand, the Federal Government has sought to demean and undermine the work of researchers in this field, while on the other its own Workplace Authority is now denying academics access to the very data they need to ensure their work has rigor.”
“Universities have an important role in providing objective, evidence based research, analysis and opinion to governments and the community, without fear or favour. How can academics undertake their research if they are deprived of the very information that they need to ensure their work is credible?”
“The public interest is the loser from this latest development, which will hinder research that could further illuminate the debate on workplace relations.”
“I find the Workplace Authority’s decision particularly perplexing given that researchers have previously been given access to the same data they are now being denied.”
“All Australians have the right to know what our laws mean and the public should not be denied information that will assist them to make informed decisions.”
“NTEU would request that the Workplace Authority reconsider their decision and allow the researchers concerned and any others access to the crucial data they need to complete their work.”
For information and comment:
Dr Carolyn Allport, NTEU President: 03 9254 1910
Andrew Nette, Policy and Research Coordinator: 03 9254 1910