A statement today from Greens NSW Senate candidate John Kaye shows both the inflexible and dogmatic approach he will bring to the Senate, and a shallow understanding of recent politics, say the Australian Democrats.
Democrats NSW senator Aden Ridgeway, said he expected the Green candidate to attack the Democrats but it was his attacks on the ALP that reveal his true colours.
"The Greens have been trying to convince voters they can negotiate with any party in Government but today John Kaye attacked Labor for not being strong enough supporters of unions and for backing away from re-regulation of the Labor market. Mr Kaye has also vowed to pressure Labor to go further down the path of re-regulation," Senator Ridgeway said.
"This may come as a surprise to many recent Greens converts who are voting Green because of their environmental stance or because their opposition to the war on Iraq. What they may not realise is that a vote for the Greens is a vote for reduced flexibility, balance and choice in the workplace."
Democrats Workplace Relations spokesperson, Senator Andrew Murray confirmed the Democrats have supported (with amendments) some of the Government labour markets reforms but had also rejected unfair dismissal legislation and legislation which restricted the legitimate role of unions.
"The Democrats have given the Coalition four double-dissolution Industrial relations triggers because we rejected their ideological agenda," Senator Murray said.
"But our Industrial relations work in the Senate has contributed to strong economic growth, the lowest unemployment rate in 18 years, real wage increases and reduced strikes - and days lost to strikes - by more than 65%.
"The Democrats are the only party that can ensure that industrial laws are fair to all sides because we are independent of both unions and business, and unencumbered by any ideological extremes.
"The Greens are the biggest ideologues in the country when it comes to industrial relations. They are reckless and irresponsible and their industrial relations policies would hurt Australia.
"We are the only party able to temper the battleground of industrial relations, ensure employee rights and conditions are protected and maintain a stable economy and we can run on our record in this area," concluded Senator Murray.
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