Advocate Sept 2004

Vol11 No3

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From the Officers

Who Can We Trust?
By Carolyn Allport, National President
What makes this election different for NTEU members?  Are our politicians really capable of committing to policies that will sustain our education work?  Can we draw clear lines between the parties?

A Two-Tiered Choice
By Grahame McCulloch, General Secretary
The best outcome for NTEU and its members would be the defeat of the Coalition and the strengthening of the minor parties in the Senate.

Superannuation and Retirement Income
By Ted Murphy
There are important differences between the major parties on superannuation and retirement income policy, though much that they have in common.

Indigenous Higher Education

Tackling Inequity
By Joel Wright
While the Coalition has strengthened its equity policies, it is the ALP which has provided substantially better measures.

Higher Education Policy 

Voters have a real choice
By Paul Kniest
Higher Education has emerged as an important issue in this election.  It is one policy area where there are clear differences between the Coalition and opposition parties, and voters are being presented with real alternatives to choose from.  

Research Funding

Parties differ on directions for research policy
By Andrew Nette
The Coalition’s science and innovation package, Backing Australia’s Ability II (BAAII) ensured research policy has been a major concern for the sector in 2004. 

Industrial Relations 

The Choice is Stark
By Ken McAlpine
The differences between the major parties in industrial relations are stark, making this a key issue for NTEU members.

Coalition Targets Rights of Uni Staff
Since 1999, universities and their staff have been subject to direct political interference.

In their own words...
NTEU asked each party for a summary of their industrial relations policies.

Social Issues 

Coalition building a two-tier health system
By Michael Evans
The different parties’ approaches to health care is one of the major issues for voters in this election.  Medicare has come under severe threat under the Coalition.

Social Issues

Balance in the House
By Emma Cull
Labor and the minor parties come out ahead in the balance of work and family life, maternity leave, child care places and pay equity for women.

No Tampa, but Refugees Still an Issue
By Gemma Pinnell
The issue of refugees and asylum seekers came to prominence on the political landscape in the 2001 Federal election, and in 2004 remains a focus for many Australians.

Trading Places
By Ted Murphy
Labor’s endorsement of the US Free Trade Agreement means that there is no clear difference between the major parties on trade policy.

Targeted Seats Campaign 

NTEU Targets Uni Campuses and Marginal Seats
NTEU is campaigning on two levels in the lead-up to the October 9 election: working with Branches nationally to publicise the major issues facing university staff and students, and taking our concerns to the broader voting public through activities in key marginal seats across the country.