Administrative Services.  OVERVIEW.  THERE are four major issues of relevance to the Administrative Services portfolio:  Commercialisation, reform of purchasing, public works and support for the Government's environment and social justice objectives. Commercialisation of most of the Department of Administrative Services' businesses has been underway since 1987. The Government's commercialisation reform initiatives have led to clearly measurable improvements in productivity, profitability and customer focus. Overall the Commonwealth has benefited—as a user, through greatly improved service quality and tower prices; and as an owner, through improvements in business performance and returns on investment. The Coalition has questioned whether DAS should be in competition with the private sector and has raised related issues such as alleged unfair advantages and competitive neutrality. A commercialised DAS has had a net positive effect on the efficiency of what were previously monopolistic, highly regulated markets— around SI billion in actual or potential Government business has been opened up to the private sector. The Federal Labor Government has completely overhauled the Commonwealth's procurement processes and policies to maximise opportunities for Australian and New Zealand industry development and to improve the administration and accountability of purchasing within government—all without compromising quality or price. As a result of the Government's policies, significant progress is being made in opening up access to government markets by small and medium enterprises (SMEs), implementing electronic commerce and promoting the capability of local industry. As part of the Federal Labor Government's major reforms to the construction industry, it has created the Public Works Policy Group (PWPG) to ensure that the Commonwealth, as a key client of the industry, implements the reforms to the same extent as the private sector. The Department plays an important role in helping the Government meet its national and international environmental responsibilities and its social justice objectives. It has encouraged the use of environmentally preferred paper products and energy rated appliances through its purchasing and has refused to deal with companies in breach of Affirmative Action legislation Many DAS businesses give practical support to the government's objectives through their commercial activities—most notably, through the Halon Bank, a collection and storage facility for halon gas which is a severe depleter of the ozone layer.  ABORIGINAL FLAG.  The Coalition's Position.  “Any attempt to give the flags official status under the Flags Act would rightly be seen by many in the community not as an act of reconciliation but as a divisive gesture ... Such a move would be quite inappropriate ... No matter how these flags bulk large in the affections of our indigenous people, they can only ever be symbols for one section of the Australian community" (John Howard, media release "Playing Politics with Flags " 4/7/95)  LABOR'S POSITION.  The Federal Labor Government decided on 20 June 1995 that the flags of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples would be proclaimed as official flags. The proclamation of the flags was undertaken following recommendations in two reports; Recognition, Rights and Reform prepared by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission, and the report of the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation Going Forward: Social Justice /or the First Australians.  Comment.  - The Liberal Party is represented on the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation.  - Mr Patrick Dodson. Chair of the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation, along with many indigenous groups, supported the Government's move.  - A Herald-McNair Poll showed that a large majority of Australians supported the Government's decision to grant official recognition to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags. The nation-wide poll (conducted 12-14/7/95) showed that a total of 66% of voters approved (42% supported and 24% strongly supported). Total opposition was limited to 26% (with 14% opposed and 12% strongly opposed).  PURCHASING REFORMS.  The Coalition's Position.  The Shadow Minister for Industry, Commerce and Public Administration, the Hon. John Moore MP, has stated (Canberra Times report 4/12/95) that he intends to 'get rid of the two-envelope tendering system' because he believes it distorts the marketplace.  LABOR'S POSITION.  In the 1994 White Paper on Employment and Growth the Federal Labor Government announced a series of measures to maximise the industry development outcomes for ANZ suppliers. The measures are designed to ensure agencies undertake a more rigorous examination of potential Industry development outcomes in their purchasing decisions. They include the Endorsed Supplier Arrangement; the establishment of the ISONET (Industrial Suppliers Office Network) Board and enhancement of ISO resources; and the implementation of the Industry Impact Statement/Two Envelope Tendering requirements. The two-envelope tendering system applies to acquisitions over S 10m. Tenderers are required to include a second envelope with their bid which outlines the tenderer's Industry development proposal. The second envelope focuses both the bidden' and the buyers' attention on the wider Implications of their bid.  Comment.  The Department of Industry, Science and Technology has concluded that, since its implementation in April 1995, the Endorsed Supplier Arrangement (an IT supplier pre-qualification scheme) has directly resulted in $866m additional investment in the Australian IT industry over the next four years. About 100 companies have already been endorsed under the scheme. ISONET Ltd was launched in June 1995. It helps Commonwealth agencies identify competitive ANZ suppliers of goods and services. The Industry Impact Statement/ Two Envelope Tendering system requires agencies to consider industry development issues in evaluation of tenders for acquisitions over $10m. Proposals are currently being evaluated for 5 major projects (Oct 95 figure).  Arts. OVERVIEW.  THE MAJOR issues in the arts are ensuring an ongoing commitment to extend access to the arts and cultural heritage, recognising that most Australians appreciate the arts through mass media, responding to challenges of rapid developments in communications technology and globalisation by Ac development of Australian content in traditional forms and multimedia, copyright reform are indigenous cultural issues. The Federal Labor Government has recognised the far reaching importance of the arts to Australia and has put in place a comprehensive cultural policy, Creative Nation. The Coalition has responded with general commitments. It claims that "..the Coalition has a long, proud tradition of support for the Arts ... " (J Howard, Politics and Patriotism, 13 December 1995). This is an attempt to deny the hostility to the arts contained in Fightback! and other earlier policies. In Fightback!, the Coalition wanted to cut our premier cultural institution, the ABC, by $50 million a year, to restructure and cut the Australia Council and made thinly veiled threats towards many other cultural institutions.  Extension of access: The Prime Minister reflected the importance of the Arts to the Government by declaring arts as a Cabinet position and creating a new portfolio 6f Communications and the Arts to reflect the growing synergies between the broadcasting and telecommunications sectors and the arts. The Federal Labor Government has provided over $1 billion in direct support for the arts (including the ABC and SBS) this financial year. In Creative Nation, the Commonwealth's first ever cultural policy statement provided a strong policy base for arts development and S270 million for new programs especially in multimedia and music and over $11 million in regional touring.  Changes In communications technology: The Federal Labor Government has responded to challenges facing the cultural industries through rapid developments in communications technology and increasing globalisation by providing Government investment in multimedia. Reflecting the emerging multimedia industry internationally. Government support for multimedia production has been provided through an $84 million dollar integrated package of support. In contrast, the Coalition has attacked these initiatives as "money down the drain".  Mas Media: Ongoing support for the Film and television production industries has been increased to over $150 million each year with new film and television production funds and initiatives including an $11 million SBS Independent and a $60m Commercial TV Production Fund. Australian content roles for TV have been extended including requiring a minimum of 55% Australian content. A code also applies to radio broadcasts. In the past, the Coalition has consistently attacked funding for bodies like the Film Finance Corporation and the Australian Film Commission. Now, while they "commit" to retaining these important organisations, they pointedly do not commit to a specific level of support.  Copyright reform: Copyright has been singled out for major reform including a decision to introduce an electronic transmission right, settling a moral rights regime and in-principle support for extended performers rights. The Government has also confirmed the parallel import rules. A new copyright law reform body has been established to ensure that the copyright law protects copyright in the new communications environment. The Opposition has responded with only general statements.  Indigenous Issues: The Federal Labor Government has funded the Gallery of Aboriginal Australia and the National Institute for Indigenous Performing Arts Training. The Government established the Return of Indigenous Cultural Property and the Indigenous Cultural Heritage Protection Programs to protect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage.  ARTS. FUNDING OF FILM, TELEVISION & MULTIMEDIA PRODUCTION.  The Coalition's Position.  "A Coalition Government will maintain the existing three-tiered structure comprising direct subsidies to film-makers, incentives for private investors and Australian content requirements", Howard—Screen Producers Association, 9 November 1995.  LABOR'S POSITION.  The Federal Labor Government provides annual funding of S1SO million for production through film fundings and production agencies such as the Film Finance Corporation, Australian Film Commission and Film Australia). Its funding of the national broadcasters (ABC and SBS) also assists in funding production of Australian material. The Government also maintains, and has recently strengthened, Australian content requirements for TV. Minimum Australian content on TV has been increased to 55% and the number of hours of children's drama is being doubled. Through training Institutions such as the National Film, Television and Radio School the Federal Labor Government also supports the development of skills and talents used in Australian productions.  Comment.  The Opposition has not stated the level of support it would provide Their commitment is, therefore, hollow. The record of the Coalition in supporting film funding is poor. Previously the Coalition has proposed the abolition of the AFC and indicated that they would disband plans for the FFC (June 1987). The Coalition has continually failed to specify the level of support for production funding—support which it has specified for the ABC and SBS  ARTS. PARALLEL IMPORTATION OF SOUND RECORDINGS.  The Coalition's Position.  "Microeconomic reform has either stalled or is going backwards in the areas which are the direct responsibility of the Commonwealth Government. The record is sad but clear. The back-flip on the 1992 decision to remove restrictions on parallel imports on compact discs", Howard—"The Role of Government" 6 June 1995.  LABOR'S POSITION.  The Federal Labor Government has established and funded Ausmusic ($l.2m a year) to provide support In the development of Australian Contemporary Music. Through Ausmusic's Midas scheme the Federal Labor Government is providing $500,000 for development of artists and repertoire and touring. Through Playing Australia the Federal Labor Government provides assistance to tour contemporary bands. The Federal Labor Government announced a $270m Investment package for the music Industry in April 1995. The expansion of the Triple J network provides a national network with a major focus on developing new Australian acts. Under the Federal Labor Government's broadcasting regime, rock/pop radio stations must play at least 25% Australian music. As part of its support for the development of Australian content, the Federal Labor Government supports retaining parallel Import restrictions hi cultural Industries to support. In particular Australia's music industry.  Comment.  Howard's comments are evidence that the Coalition's newly found support of the cultural industries and copyright is lip service. The truth is to be found in the negative policies in Fightback. The copyright boundaries provided by parallel import restrictions are essential to protecting our cultural industries such as contemporary music  Arts. COPYRIGHT REFORMS.  The Coalition's Position.  "The Coalition recognises that the need to provide fair and adequate protection of economic and morel rights is a first order issue for the arts community. If elected to government, we will treat the establishment of an up-to-date and workable copyright regime as the single most urgent reform in the arts portfolio". Howard, Screen Producers Association, 9 November 1995.  LABOR'S POSITION.  The Federal Labor Government:  - Will introduce a world first electronic transmission right and is drafting legislation for Introduction In the next session of Parliament.  - Is drafting legislation on moral rights for Introduction in the next session of Parliament.  - Has given in principal support for the extension of performers' rights.  Comment.  Coalition pays only lip service to copyright and does not detail its proposals.  The only major copyright policy expressed is to remove parallel importation rules contrary to maintaining a viable Australian copyright market and support for moral rights.  ARTS. NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AUSTRALIA  The Coalition's Position.  The Coalition will support the construction of a National Museum at Yarramundi", Howard, ABC Radio, Dec 1994.  LABOR'S POSITION.  The Federal Labor Government has funded the first stage of the National Museum on Acton. This is the Gallery of Aboriginal Australia. It has announced stage two, a $12m program to make Old Parliament Home Into a Social and Constitutional History Museum. A design competition for stage three, an environment museum at Yarramundi, has been announced. Federal Labor's commitment la to deliver an Innovative Museum to all Australia. It will be based in Canberra but not necessarily on a single site. There is a network of museum presences across the country, from the Old Parliament House and the Gallery of Aboriginal Australia in Canberra to Sydney Customs House and to new sites or gateways in other States. It will also be an interactive Museum which is available at a click of a computer at their local library, school or community centre. It will develop and deliver on-line material on our cultural heritage through the "Australia's Story—Our National Collections On-line Program.  Comment.  The Coalition will create an institution which Australians are likely to visit only once or twice in their lives. Labor is building a national museum for all Australians which is accessible throughout (lie country. The Coalition's proposal is an example of Senator lan MacDonald's proposition to shadow Cabinet that they make regional infrastructure promises because they can (to paraphrase) promise the world in this area without actually having to deliver anything.  Arts. NATIONAL CULTURAL NETWORK.  The Coalition's Position.  "We will establish a National Cultural Network which will enable our heritage and cultural collections to lie more accessible, especially in rural and regional Australia", Howard, Politics and Patriotism", 13 Dec 1995.  LABOR'S POSITION.  "Australia's Story: Our National Collections On-Line" launched on 6 December 1995 In Innovation Statement. It provides $10 million to digitise cultural material and make it available through all schools and libraries. Additional funding is to be provided to the National Museum of Australia to increase the rate of Its digitisation program to enable more Australians to access on-line material on their cultural heritage.  Comment.  The coalition provides no details on the "National Cultural Network" whereas Labor has been implementing a program for our National Cultural Initiatives to digitalise cultural material and make it available through Government resourced terminals in libraries and community centres.  ARTS. ACCESS FOR REGIONAL AND RURAL AREAS.  The Coalition's Position.  "A Coalition Government will put renewed emphasis on providing opportunities for our artists to demonstrate their talents by touring in Australia and overseas", Alston, Cultural Frontier. 6 October 1994.  LABOR'S POSITION.  Creative Nation promised another $11.7 million over 4 years to take the arts across Australia including through a new Festivals Australia program to give access to arts to regional and rural areas. 1995 brought $l million In funding to 61 projects through Festivals. Playing Australia and Visions of Australia programs have expended $14 million in funding over the last 3 years—over 400 different projects have been made possible.  Comment.  The Government has shown its commitment to the arts in regional and rural areas through nearly $20 million spending in the last 3 years.  The Opposition has only empty promises.    ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER AFFAIRS. OVERVIEW.   If EVER there was a policy-free zone in the Coalition it is in the area of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs. After Alexander Downing's blundering foray into Coalition policy on land rights in the deserts of the Northern Territory in 1994, on which he was accompanied by the current shadow minister, it was announced that the entire policy would be reviewed. More than 18 months have passed and there's still no sign of a result What we do know about the Coalition is firstly, that it is opposed to reform and social justice for Australia's indigenous peoples, as demonstrated in the Parliament when it voted against the Government's ground-breaking native title legislation, and secondly, that if "Fight Back" is anything to go by, the Coalition is likely to significantly slash the portfolio's budget, impacting on the poorest and most disadvantaged Australians. Set against this negativity and policy vacuum, stand the Government's proud achievements in responding to the High Court's historic decision in Mabo with its native title and land fund legislation, and its support for the continuing development of the indigenous social justice initiative. The primary portfolio issues for the Government, in addition to these major policy beachheads, are as follows:  - maintaining the pressure on State and Territory governments to implement the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody.  - improving Commonwealth/State financial relationships to obtain greater efficiency and accountability in the delivery of housing and infrastructure programs to Aboriginal communities.  - reviewing cultural heritage protection legislation—including seeking to provide effective copyright protection in the area of intellectual property.  - monitoring the effectiveness of and developing necessary amendments to the ATSIC Act, and reviewing (lie legislation relating to Aboriginal councils and associations.  There is much still to be achieved in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs policy and the Government is committed to continuing the process of change and social justice.  The Coalition's complete absence of policy in this area is a damning indictment and a demonstration of their utter cynicism and deceit which more than anything shows why they should and will remain in opposition.  Attorney-General's Portfolio. OVERVIEW.  THE Coalition has provided no detail of its alternative policies for this portfolio to date because, as Senator Vanstone has put it, the Government might "pinch them". They have criticised Government policy for not going far enough, but there have been no pronouncements about the changes the Opposition would make to improve the legal system should they gain office. The Prime Minister launched a major legal policy statement on 18 May 1995 with many initiatives across a very wide range of areas. The Justice Statement describes significant improvements which will be made to the legal system, including: reducing crime, protecting consumers, reinforcing human rights, simplifying legislation and making it more accessible to all Australians, improving legal aid services and making the resolution of disputes outside the legal system a practical alternative to legal proceedings.  Family services have been funded to expand pre-marriage relationships courses, marriage and family skills training and financial counselling for families. The Government has given the Family Law Act and its operations a comprehensive overview to make it clear that the interests of children come first. The "Safer Australia" campaign has as its strategy a national approach to reduce crime and build safer communities. Additional funding will be provided for legal aid and community legal centres so that more people can gain easier access to the legal system. At least one specialist women's legal centre will be established to serve the needs of women in every State and Territory.  Attorney-General's. RACIAL HATRED.  The Coalition's Position.  "We do not support civil remedies for racial harassment, but support criminal prohibitions along the lines of the vilification offences contained in the NSW legislation, with minor changes. We want community education as a key factor in controlling racial discrimination/vilification/ violence, and would introduce a $10 million package to support this " (Amanda Vanstone, Media Release, 7 March 19%).  LABOR'S POSITION.  The Federal Labor Government has enacted civil remedies. It remains convinced of the need for criminal sanctions to deal with extreme racist behaviour and has committed itself the introduction of another bill to include men protection in the Crimes Act In the next Parliament. The Government has committed $2.S2 million over 3 years to HREOC to allow it to administer me civil complaints scheme. Including for an information/promotion program.  Comment.  The Coalition's proposed criminal offence of serious racial vilification does not cover acts of inciting racial hatred as proposed by the Government. The Coalition hence would not deal with the precursors of violence as the Government would.  In omitting a civil sanction, the Coalition fails to provide an avenue for victims of racial harassment, abuse or intimidation to personally seek redress.  Attorney-General's. FAMILY SERVICES.  The Coalition's Position.  "We will introduce programs to reverse the (rend of increasing levels of family breakdowns." (Liberal Party Speakers Notes, November 1995 and John Howard, Fair Australia speech to ACOSS, October 1995). "We will ensure that young Australians are given more opportunities to be better prepared for raising children." (Litres; Party Speakers Notes, November 1995, and John Howard, Fair Australia Speech to ACOSS, October 1995). "We will increase the resources available for marriage education and family counselling." {Liberal Party Speakers Notes, November 1995).  LABOR'S POSITION.  The Federal Labor Government provides substantial funding for family services. This funding was increased In the Justice Statement. The Federal Government has increased by 50% funding for family skills training which aims to promote positive parenting and non-violent problem solving targeting disadvantaged families.  Funding has been doubled.  Grants for relationship counselling In 94-95 totalled $20.671m.  Extra funding has been provided for community development officers to improve access for non-English speaking people to access the family services programs  Comment.  The Government has acted, through the Justice Statement, to reinforce its ongoing commitment to families with a range of initiatives to help families avoid legal problems and deal with difficulties and disputes.  Attorney-General's. FAMILY SERVICES.  The Coalition's Position.  "We will deliver counselling and other services at a local community level as far as possible." (Liberal Party Speakers Notes, November 1995). "We will deliver a new homeless youth pilot program " (John Howard's Fair Australia Speech to ACOSS. October 1985).  LABOR'S POSITION.  The Federal Government's Justice Statement emphasised and has committed considerably increased funding to community based family services, including In regional and rural areas. Adolescent mediation and family therapy programs were set up in response to the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission report on youth homelessness. Funding of $l.5m has been provided in 1995-6. Justice Statement Increased funding for this program by 55% to enable the expansion of services to rural and regional areas.  Comment.  The Coalition's proposal includes a requirement to attend mediation to attempt reconciliation with family. Service providers with extensive practical experience widely consider this kind of coercive approach destructive.  Attorney-General's. COURTS & TRIBUNALS.  The Coalition's Position.  TELEVISING COURT APPEARANCES.  "We would not allow unrestricted access to the courts by the electronic media, so that they could pick bits and pieces and excerpts and highlights." (Amanda Vanstone on ABC Radio 2CN— Elizabeth Jackson, 6 October 1895).  COMPOSITION OF JUDICIARY. "The Government has failed to make more female appointments to both the Federal Court and the Family Court "(Amanda Vanstone on Radio SAA, 13 May 1995).  LABOR'S POSITION.  The Government has serious reservations about televising court appearances. It believes the risks that the presence of cameras will influence the presentation of evidence in criminal cases are too great while there is no place for cameras in Family Court matters. There may be tome value in allowing cameras in the High Court or Federal Court in civil matters to Improve understanding of the legal system. The Federal Labor Government believes the Judiciary should reflect community values. Whilst merit must be the over-riding factor in Judicial appointments, the Government is actively working to widen the pool of talent qualified for the bench to include women, people of non-English speaking background and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent.  Comment.  There were brief experiments by State Courts with televising court appearances in 1995, notably in Victoria in the Supreme Court and the Magistrates Court, but they have generally been greeted with scepticism by the Australian public. A US-style system following such trials as the OJ Simpson case, have made Australians wary of such experimentation. The Federal Labor Government has a very good record of appointing female Judges. Over the past three years it has appointed 4 female judges out of a total of 8 appointments to the Family Court and 4 female judges out of a total of 17 appointments to the Federal Court. These appointments are far in advance of the numbers appointed by the Coalition during its term of office.  Attorney-General's. BUSINESS LAW.  The Coalition's Position.  "Will cut the red tape, the regulation and the paperwork that bedevil so many hard-working small business operators and deter so many potential new ones "  (John Howard 'The Australia I Believe In', 15 December 1995).  LABOR'S POSITION.  When the Second Corporations Law Simplification Bill passes in 1996 most small businesses will be operating almost entirely under a new, easy-to-follow, companies system. Labor has already massively cut red tape for all Australian companies, including no longer requiring companies to lodge accounts, cutting the need for a company to keep five registers and no longer requiring annual general meetings for proprietary companies. It will be much easier to start and run a company. Companies can now have a single member and a single director. Labor has substantially strengthened Investor protection. The Australian Securities Commission is proving an effective corporate watchdog. A new disclosure regime ensures an informed market. The next Parliament will see a new right of statutory derivative action allowing shareholders to take legal action on behalf of a company against its officers or others, as well as a new and more certain legal regime for the collective investments industry.  Comment.  Instead of mouthing rhetoric, Federal Labor has put in the hard work to strip away an array of unnecessary or redundant requirements in the Corporations Law. The small business Guide is a new easy-to-use guide for small business to assist small business in understanding the new less-burdensome Corporations Law.  Attorney-General's. NATIVE TITLE.  The Coalition's Position.  "We will retain the Native Title Act but reserve the right to amend it to ensure its effective operation." (John Howard "The Australia I Believe In', 15 December 1995)  LABOR'S POSITION.  The Native Title Act:  • provides a practical means for dealing with native title without constant litigation.  • ensures the validity of past grants, such as mining titles.  • enables future grants to be made validly, even If claims for native title have been made or determined.  • provides for a co-operative approach between levels of government, recognising that the States and Territories have primary responsibility for land management.  • encourages mediation and negotiation, but If this talk, it provides specially adapted tribunal and court procedures for native title issues.  Comment.  The Government accepts that the Act may need amendment to improve its operation, but the Opposition's track record of resisting the recognition of the reality of native title suggests that any changes the Opposition would make would be at the expense of indigenous peoples' interests.  Attorney-General's. THE REPUBLIC AND THE CONSTITUTION.  The Coalition's Position.  PEOPLE'S CONVENTION.  • "We will ensure proper community involvement in the review of Australia's Constitution, including our form of government, by holding a People's Convention in 1997." (John Howard 'The Australia I Believe In'. 15 December 1995).  • "If a consensus emerges from the People's Convention regarding the Head of State, that consensus will be promoted by the Government at a constitutional referendum. If no consensus emerges, then the Australian people will be asked to vote on a series of options for changes to establish which of them they desire." (John Howard, 'The Australia I Believe In'. 15 December 1995).  LABOR'S POSITION.  The basic outline of the Federal Labor Government's position on the republic is as follows:  • Establishment of an Australian Head of State ('the President') appointed by a two thirds majority of the Commonwealth Parliament to:  — perform ceremonial and representational duties.  — exercise powers currently exercised by the Governor-General on the advice of the Federal Executive Council.  • Removal of all references in the Constitution to Ac Queen, the Crown and the Governor-General.  • Retention of "Commonwealth of Australia" as the title of an Australian republic.  • Retention of membership of the Commonwealth of Nations.  • Freedom to the States to decide their own constitutional arrangements.  Comment.  In April 1993 the Federal Labor Government established the Republic Advisory Committee to prepare an options paper which would describe the minimum constitutional changes necessary to create a federal republic of Australia. The Committee consulted widely throughout Australia and talked to many different groups. As a result of the consultations, they delivered a report to the Government which was used to formulate the Government's position on the Australian republic. A period of active public discussion has been embarked upon to prepare for a referendum which the Government intends to hold.  THE REPUBLIC AND THE CONSTITUTION.  The Coalition's Position.  HEAD OF STATE.  • "The issue of Australia's Head of State will be debated first and separate from the other issues. Options for change will include electing the President by direct popular vote, as well as by a Parliamentary vote as proposed by the Prime Minister. The option of retaining the present system would be included in any vote," (Liberal Party Speakers Notes, November 1995).  LABOR'S POSITION.  The President would be appointed in a joint sitting of the Commonwealth Parliament, following the nomination of a single individual by the Prime Minister. The appointment has to be approved by a two-thirds majority of a joint sitting. This means that there will need to be prior bi-partisan agreement to the nominee.  Comment.  It is envisaged that the President would perform the ceremonial and representational functions currently performed by the monarch or the Governor-General. Election of the President by popular vote would create confusion about the respective roles of the President, the Parliament and the Government.  Attorney-General's. INTERNATIONAL LAW, EXTERNAL AFFAIRS POWER & TREATIES.  The Coalition's Position.  - "We will reform Australia's international treaty-making processes to ensure that the Australian Parliament, the States, industry and the community are consulted before they are entered into on Australia's behalf." (John Howard "The Austria I believe In', 15 December 1995).  - "We will ensure that there is a detailed public statement of the implications of international treaties on Australia's law, economy, environment and trade competitiveness before they are signed." (Liberall Party Speakers Notes, November 1995).  - "We will refer the question of the external affairs power to the People's Convention for consideration." (Liberal Party Speakers Notes, November 1995).  LABOR'S POSITION.  The Government is committed to the proper level of involvement of Parliament, the States, industry and the community In treaty marten. It will continue to build upon recent improvements @ has made In the level of consultation with all those entities.  The Federal Labor Government will build upon the improvements which It has already made In the level and detail of the information being provided to all sectors on the implication of treaties, including an explanatory statement for each treaty. The Federal Labor Government supports the involvement of State, territory and local governments in treaty implementation. However, the external affairs power in its current form is necessary to ensure that all Australia is in a position to give effect to its international obligations. A change to that power is unnecessary and undesirable.  Comment.  In late November 1995 the Senate Legal & Constitutional Committee tabled its report into treaties, entitled Trick or Treaty. The Government is considering its response to the report.  Attorney-General's. INTERNATIONAL LAW. EXTERNAL AFFAIRS POWER & TREATIES.  The Coalition's Position.  THE JUSTICE STATEMENT.  • The Coalition has described The Justice Statement as disappointing. Senator Vanstone said that she expected a lot more. (Amanda Vanstone—press release - 18 May 1995).  LEGAL PROFESSION ETC.  • The Coalition described reforms of the legal  profession in New South Wales and South Australia as 'good examples'. (Amanda Vanstone—press release—18 May 1995).  DISCRIMINATION PROTECTIONS.  • John Howard has said that he believes that there should be "no discrimination on the grounds of religion, race, gender, ethnicity or nationality". (John Howard, "The Australia I Believe In', 15 December 1995).  LABOR'S POSITION.  The Justice Statement is one of the most comprehensive legal policy reforms ever presented in this country. The Coalition has provided no detail of its alternate policies. Senator Vanstone refused to disclose them on the basis that the Government might 'pinch them'. (Source: ABC Radio Interview—ZCN— Elizabeth Jackson—-19 May 1895). The fact that Howard left out disability shows his Jack of commitment to protecting all disadvantaged groups from discrimination. The Government is working with the States to create a National Legal Services Market. This will involve reform of the profession including the application of the national competition policy principles.  The Federal Labor Government has passed legislation which also makes discrimination unlawful on the ground of marital status and disability. People also have the right to make complaints to the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission if they are discriminated against in employment on the additional grounds of age, political opinion, social origin, sexual preference, trade union activity, or medical or criminal record.  Comment.  The reforms proposed by the Coalition are not inconsistent with the Government's approach. In any event, the power to reform the legal profession reside overwhelmingly with the States and Territories.  Attorney-General's. LEGAL PROFESSION REFORM, HUMAN RIGHTS.  The Coalition's Position.  PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES. "There is an unacceptable backlog of disability discrimination cases." (Liberal Party Speakers Notes, November 1995).  WOMEN & EMPLOYMENT. The Coalition says that it will work to @@ all forms of discrimination against women" and "promote equality of opportunity for women" (Liberal Party Speakers /Votes, November 1995).  OLDER PEOPLE. The Coalition says it will "abolish age discrimination against the elderly". (Liberal Party Speakers Notes. November 1995).  LABOR'S POSITION.  The Federal Labor Government introduced the disability discrimination legislation and is committed to ensuring an efficient and effective mechanisms for resolving complaints. The Labor Government announced In 1994 a three stage program to reform and improve the Sex Discrimination Act to further protect and promote the position of women in the workplace. Stages one and two have now been enacted through reforms to the Act, and stage 3 will be delivered in 1996. The Federal Labor Government abolished compulsory age retirement in the Australian Public Service In 1995, and has a Task Force developing both legislative and non-legislative options to eliminate age discrimination in both the public and private sectors.  Comment.  Disability complaint handling at the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission is being reviewed and has improved significantly this year due to the work of a special task force to deal with complaints. The Coalition opposed some of Federal Labor's 1995 changes to the Sex Discrimination Act and Affirmative Action Act which aimed at making the process of proving sex discrimination cases fairer for women. They are more interested in keeping employers happy than in looking after the interests of women workers. The Coalition have not stated whether they will introduce Commonwealth age discrimination legislation or not. The Government also is not yet committed to the option of legislation.  Attorney-General's. JUSTICE.  The Coalition's Position.  CRIME.  The coalition says that in Government it would "ensure that the community has more protection from crime and violence." confidential Liberal "speakers notes' November 1995.  "Attack crime at its roots by dealing with the factors that contribute to crime." confidential Liberal 'speakers notes" November 1995.  LABOR'S POSITION.  The Federal Labor Government has introduced the Safer Australia scheme which funds local crime prevention and reduction programs, worked to standardise the nation's gun law, reviewed Commonwealth law enforcement to ensure agencies are pursuing appropriate goals, pushed for uniform national criminal laws by 2000, and given federal police appropriate (though accountable) powers to counter crime. The Federal Labor Government has established the Safer Australia program under which grants of up to $50.000 are made to groups for the purposes of crime prevention or community safety programs.  Comment.  The coalition's vague statements are meaningless. Unlike state governments the federal government does not have control over sentencing laws or the numbers of police on the streets (except the ACT). Suite Governments can play to the law and order lobby by cranking up penalties or increasing the number of police. By contrast the federal government has taken the more difficult approach of trying to reduce crime, rather than merely reacting to it. The program also targets crime at the local level, giving communities more control. Safer Australia makes its first grants in February.  JUSTICE.  The Coalition's Position.  VICTIMS OF CRIME.  • "Recognise in law the rights of victims of crime." confidential Liberal 'speakers notes’ November 1995.  DRUGS.  • "Reduce the use of illegal drugs and impose appropriate penalties on those who peddle drugs." confidential Liberal 'speakers notes' November 1995.  LABOR'S POSITION.  The Commonwealth criminal law deals largely with "victimless" crime—ie fraud. Crimes of violence are state responsibilities. Safer Australia is working to reduce and prevent crime, is addressing the concerns of victims of crime. The Federal Labor Government has worked with the states and territories on drug policies based on harm minimisation. Enacted proceeds of crime legislation to remove the ill-gotten gains of criminals especially drug pushers and traffickers.  Tackled money laundering, partly through the creation and development of AUSTRAC. Tracking the movement of dirty money Is one of the best ways to identify criminals, especially drug criminals. Introduced proposed new laws to allow the police to conduct undercover drug operations to catch the Mr Bigs of drug crime.  Comment.  Does the coalition understand the break up in state/federal responsibilities in this area? Another meaningless piece of rhetoric, with no effort to say what, when, how or where.  Attorney-General's. JUSTICE.  The Coalition's Position.  DRUG OFFENCES.  • "Consider increasing the financial penalties for drug importation and increase the sentences on those who import commercial quantities of drugs." confidential Liberal "speakers notes" November 1996.  DRUGS/AFP.  • "Increase the resources of the AFP, with a primary focus on detecting drug importation, distribution and drug related crime." confidential Liberal "speaker notes" November 1995.  LABOR'S POSITION.  The Federal Labor Government has done this.  1. The sentencing options available on conviction for trafficking in commercial quantities of drugs extends to life imprisonment.  2. Our Proceeds of Crime legislation allows us to confiscate the assets of convicted criminals.  Labor will review the resources of the AFP and address any identified deficiencies, when the AFP Commissioner advises he has completed his own restructuring process.  Comment.  Not only is the coalition's position another meaningless piece of empty rhetoric, it is also misplaced. Serious drug traffickers can be sentenced to life in jail and their assets can be confiscated.  JUSTICE.  The Coalition's Position.  GUNS.  • "Prevent certain individuals from legally obtaining firearms while allowing (hose who have a legitimate need to own a firearm to have one."  • "Strengthen the safety of all Australians by ensuring sensible controls."  • "Take a leading role in working with the states and territories to unify and strengthen existing laws" governing possession, registration and licensing of guns. Confidential Liberal "speakers notes" November 1995.  LABOR'S POSITION.  All of this has been—and is being—done. The Federal Labor Government regards getting greater consistency in guns laws as very important. So important, that the Federal Government is hosting a special meeting of police ministers in Canberra in February on that very Issue.  The Federal Government has introduced tighter controls to ensure that dangerous guns—ie fully automatic military style weapons—are not allowed into the country without a lawful reason. We have also tightened controls over dangerous ammunition (ie explosive or incendiary bullets) and have banned handguns which substantially duplicate sub machine guns.  Comment.  Guns is an emotive issue here and overseas. The Federal Government recognises (his, and accepts that many Australians have a legitimate desire or need to own a gun and behave in a responsible way as gun owners. The Government regards it as desirable that there be greater consistency in Australia's gun laws, rather than the conflicting and contradictory hodge podge of state and territory laws that currently exist Debating gun laws in the aftermath of horrific shooting and mails murders can he counterproductive. Rather the federal Government has advanced the debate through the less emotive forum of the Police Ministers Council. Remember that the Federal Government has no direct legislative power in much of this area, and in many ways our role is limited to encouraging the view that consistent, clear gun laws would benefit all Australians.  Attorney-General's. JUSTICE.  The Coalition's Position.  COPYRIGHT.  • Howard has described copyright as the "most pressing yet unresolved area of cultural micro-economic reform in this country" and claimed the Keating Government has relegated the "first order issue" to the bottom of the "policy pile".  • Promised: "The coalition recognises that the need to provide fair and adequate protection of economic arid moral rights is a First order issue for community. If elected, we will treat the establishment of an up-to-date and workable copyright regime as the single most urgent reform in the arts portfolio." Address to Screen Producers Association of Australia Conference, Melbourne, 10 November.  TRANSMISSION RIGHT.  • Howard says that cable operators if given an unfettered right to re transmit free to air signals should "pay for the privilege of the intellectual property bestowed upon them", source: as above.  LABOR'S POSITION.  The Copyright Amendment Bill if being drafted and an exposure draft will soon be circulated for comment The bill will Include moral rights; the new technology neutral transmission right.  Provisions regarding Journalists copyright; and Increased penalties for piracy of sound recordings.  Government will decide this issue following the outcome of litigation between the commercial television stations and Foxtel.  Comment.  Coalition has promised nothing new, and have effectively promised to do what the Government is doing. The Government review of copyright law has been ambitious, timely and wide-ranging. Innovative solutions to the problems and challenges posed by new technologies have been formulated and adopted. Government has successfully managed difficult and controversial issues—ie parallel importation of sound recordings and journalists' copyright—and got the balance right. The Government has engaged in extensive and inclusive consultation.  Attorney-General's. JUSTICE.  The Coalition's Position.  SOUND RECORDINGS.  • Assume that the coalition would reverse government policy and allow parallel importation of sound recordings  • Alston—Government's decision was a disgraceful backflip and a slap in the face and kick in the groin for consumers, particularly young people, Canberra Times 22/4/95.  ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER COPYRIGHT COMMISSION.  • Chris Callus called on the Government to financially assist National Indigenous Arts Advocacy Association to mark authentic indigenous art with a symbol to establish and maintain a register of indigenous art. Press release 18/9/95.  LABOR'S POSITION.  Not to allow parallel importation of sound recordings. Major record companies enter agreements to secure and build on local investment, artists, repertoire and exports. Prices of sound recordings to be monitored by ACCC. Availability of specialist recordings ensured, and increases penalties for piracy ion-principle extension of performers' rights. Government supports greater protection for indigenous artists and is reviewing existing legal protection. In October 1994 Government issued discussion paper on the issue, and after canvassing submissions, the Government committee has taken proposals to ATSI communities for consideration.  Comment.  No country which allows parallel importation of sound recordings also has low prices, low levels of piracy and a domestic internationally competitive. The Australian record industry must be encouraged— it directly employs 12,000 people and a further 47,000 artists and songwriters work on a full or part time basis. 1993 PSA data shows the difference in retail price between US and Australian CD prices once tax and royalty differences are eliminated was only $l.42. Wholesale price difference was only 59 cents. Conclusion as Australia is not a high price country for CDs. Protection for Australian performers agreed to in 1992 could not be sustained because of GATT inconsistency. Gallus' comments are welcome but simplistic. The Government has been leading the reform process  Communications. Overview.  MAJOR policy issues exist with respect to privatisation of Telstra, maintenance of strong cross-media control rules, roll out of new broadcasting services and provision of access to the community to new information services. John Howard sat on his hands during the Fraser Government allowing telecommunications to remain a monopoly. Only under the Hawke/Keating Governments has competition been introduced to telecommunications by licensing Optus as a second carrier and introducing two mobile competitors. Since this Government introduced competition in 1991, Access Economics have calculated residential and business consumers have benefited to the tune of almost $ 1.5 billion in the first three years. There will be even lower prices and more choices once the Federal Labor Government introduces full and open competition in telecommunications from 1 July 1997. Investment by carriers in the Australian economy between 1990/91 and 1993/94 increased by 94% to around $4 billion and exports have grown from $218 million to $970 million. In 1994/95 as part of its 5 year industry development plan, Telstra invested $2.8 billion in Australian industry, up by $466 million on 1993-94, This investment in Australia's industrial capability, international competitiveness and employment growth is in danger of being lost if Telstra is privatised. Lower prices awl more choices are likely as the Federal Labor Government is introducing full and open competition in telecommunications from 1 July 1997. This progress has come from while retaining Telstra in full public ownership. It took 100 years to build Telstra to be one of Australia's greatest businesses. The Federal Labor Government pledges to maintain Telstra in 100% public ownership. John Howard's partial privatisation will mean that part of Telstra would go into overseas hands. Dividends would be paid overseas rather than to Australian Taxpayers. The Coalition will not be able to guarantee lower charges for people in regional and rural areas. Indeed, partial privatisation will allow profitable parts of Telstra to be sold off leaving a profitless shell to support the cross subsidies which provide significant benefits to rural and regional Australians. The Coalition's policy on Australia Post is a warning to Australia Post management and employees to brace themselves for deregulation. The deregulation of Australia Post will mean substantial decreases in postal services for people in regional and rural areas, large number of post office closures particularly in the bush, and substantial job losses in Australia Post. The Federal Labor Government has introduced policies so that almost all Australians receive extended radio and television coverage. A $55 million program announced in 1993 extended ABC and SBS television and radio to over 150 regional and rural areas, ABC's youth network Triple J has been extended to regional areas with more than 20,000 people. The Federal Labor Government will continue to extend Triple J. A number of towns have only one TV or radio service. New arrangements to extend commercial television and radio services in single station markets have been announced. Coalition policies to review the Government's cross media ownership rules mean that they will weaken cross media rules to mean less diversity and plurality in our media. The Federal Labor Government has announced policies which will allow the entire community to gain access to the new communications services. An $18 million program to provide computers and on-line access to public libraries, community centres and some Government offices is complemented by programs to put on line educational curriculum and cultural material. A new scheme has meant that 1,000 farm families will be extended internet access. The Coalition's only solid policy in this area is to extend ISDN access to be available to all users. This will be of little use to those less advantaged Australians who cannot afford computers or ISDN access. Only the Federal Labor Government understands our growing information technology industry and has put in place the range of policies—from R&D incentives to the computer bounty to develop the industry. The Coalition allows it IMS no ideas or policies—it offers only a review.  Communications. BROADCASTING AND MEDIA OWNERSHIP.  The Coalition's Position.  MEDIA OWNERSHIP.  • "A Coalition Government will conduct a comprehensive public review of the existing cross media regime to determine the most effective means of achieving such central public interest objectives as plurality, diversity and competition" J Howard, Better Communications, 23 January 1996.  • "I believe that the cross-media laws are somewhat out of date. They have been overtaken by the march of events—pay-TV technology ' :of course are views I haven't suddenly invents J Howard, World at Noon, 17 February 1995.  • " … we'll review our policy and we'll make our position known before the election ...' J Howard, Doorstop Interview. Parliament House, 6 March 1995.  • "On the question of cross media ownership we are not convinced that the prohibitions proposed by the Government are either necessary or can be justified. In our view such matters are best left to the operation of the Trades Practices Act to prevent abuses flowing from concentration of ownership" J Howard, Media Ownership—news release, 30 January 1987.  LABOR'S POSITION.  The Federal Labor Government has implemented legislation to prevent one person owning a major newspaper and television station in the same city.  These, and other media ownership restrictions, have promoted diversity of ownership and control of our media. In particular, the Government's policies have seen the development of ownership arrangements which have independent Interests owning radio, newspapers and television, ensuring a diversity which previously did not exist.  Comment.  John Howard (and other Coalition frontbenchers) has steadfastly refused to answer the one key question about media diversity, ie: can one person own a television station and major newspaper in the same city. John Howard's comments on media ownership have always contained the "code" which clearly indicates that he would allow one person to own the fairfax papers and Channel 9. When it comes to the crunch the Coalition does not support strong media diversity controls—this was evident then when Coalition opposed the amendments to strengthen the rules in Parliament last year If those rules had not been strengthened then, under the Coalition's policy of having a review before doing anything, Mr Packer, for example, could have continued to increase his interests in Fairfax without giving up Channel 9  Communications. ABC/SBS FUNDING.  The Coalition's Position.  "The policy provides an unequivocal assurance that current levels of funding to both the ABC and SBS will he maintained" R Alston, Better Broadcasting Policy, 18 January 1996  "The Coalition will maintain existing levels of Government funding to the ABC and SBS", J Howard, Better Communications, 23 January 1996.  LABOR'S POSITION.  The Federal Labor Government has:  - guaranteed that existing funding levels will be maintained In real terms through triennial funding agreements.  - exempted the ABC and SBS from efficiency dividends.  - provided additional funds for the National Broadcasters for additional functions it has asked them to undertake, eg: captioning of the major evening news.  Comment.  Who would believe John Howard's current commitment given the Fightback proposition for the ABC was to cut the budget by 450 million a year. John Howard has sneaky ways of meeting his "unequivocal" commitment to maintain existing funding for the ABC and SBS while still cutting their budgets:  - John Howard has been silent on indexing the budgets of the ABC and SBS. Under pressure in a press conference Richard Alston said that use ABC's funding would be indexed. This important point has never been incorporated into Coalition documents.  - John Howard has been silent on whether he would apply efficiency dividends to the ABC and SBS.  - The Coalition has left open, through its vague proposals on transmission funding, scope for it to cut ABC and SBS funding by up to $150 million a year.  Communications. EXPANSION OF TRIPLE J.  The Coalition's Position.  "We will encourage and support the ongoing expansion of... the highly successful Triple J network into regional Australia. (J Howard 'Better Communications', 23 January 1996).  LABOR'S POSITION.  The Federal Labor Government has funded an extensive roll out of Triple J to regional Australia.In the last two years alone Triple J has been extended to 44 new areas. When the Government's current rollout program is completed, Triple J will be extended to all centres with more than 20,000 people. The Government is committed to continuing the rollout program as the budget allows. As part of this commitment, Triple J will be extended to 56 new country areas. This extension means all centres with less than 3,000 people.  Comment.  The Government's commitment to expanding Triple J is evidenced by its actions to dale. The Coalition's commitment has been clarified by Senator Alston who, on radio (The World Today, 18/1/96), ruled out any further rollout of Triple J beyond the current Government program. This means that under a Coalition government towns with fewer than 20,000 people which do not currently receive Triple J, will not get it.  Communications. EXPANSION OF SBS.  The Coalition's Position  "The Coalition will provide an additional $10.5 million over 3 years to facilitate the fast tracking of the extension of SBS Television to all Australians." (J Howard, 'Better Communications’, 23 January 1996).  LABOR'S POSITION.  The Federal Labor Government has funded the extension of SBS Television to all capital cities and 17 regional centres since 1983. (Only Sydney and Melbourne received SBS before 1983). Currently 75% of the population receives SBS. The Federal Labor Government is committed to continuing its rollout of SBS Television to regional Australia. In January 1996, the Deputy Prime Minister announced the expenditure of $9 million over three years to provide SBS TV to regional WA via satellite.  Comment.  The Government's commitment to expanding SBS Television is evidenced by its actions to date. John Howard's promise is misleading and certainly does not fast track the extension of SBS TV to all Australians. $10,5m to fast track SBS TV for all Australians will do little—it will cost about $9m for the WA satellite extension over 3 years. To make SBS TV available to 98% of the population will cost between $90m and $100m (NTA estimates).  Communications. AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CONTENT REQUIREMENTS.  The Coalition's Position.  "Coalition is committed to implementing the updated levels of Australian content on free-to-air television . ."  "We will also maintain the existing C (children's) and P (pre-school) classified program requirements"  "The Coalition will review the current Australian content requirements for subscription TV in order to examine the appropriateness of applying local content regulations other than designated dr.-'" channels"  J I toward. Better Communications, 23 January 1996.  LABOR'S POSITION.  Under the Federal Labor Government, commercial free to air TV requirements:  - mandate Australian content.  - Impose quotas for Australian content transmissions. These have been increased to 55% and the Australian children's drama quota has been doubled.  - mean that 80 per cent of ads broadcast must be Australian.  For pay TV, the level of expenditure for new Australian drama is mandated. The Government Is committed to a review by 1997 to consider an increase and examine the overall level and nature of Australian content on pay TV.  Comment.  There is no detail of the Coalition's commitment or its recognition of 'specific requirements'. The Coalition is simply supporting what the Government has already done. The Coalition's claims about being committed to Australian content are not consistent with:  - Richard Alston's claims that Government initiatives to assist the development of Australian content was "money down the drain".  - John Howard's view that we should give up the parallel import restrictions which help develop and maintain the Australian music industry.  Communications  TELSTRA (Continued).  The Coalition's Position.  OWNERSHIP OF TELSTRA.  • ". . .the Coalition will offer by way of a share float.... one third of the Commonwealth's equity in Telstra." J Howard, 'Better Communications', 23 January 1996.  LABOR'S POSITION.  Telstra is to remain in full public ownership.  Comment.  The Coalition is selling Telstra to fund its election bribes. Privatisation will spell the end of Telstra's development as Australia's business leader in the world's fastest growing business sector, telecommunications, in the world's fastest growing region. Telstra will be forced to concentrate on short term business matters throughout the drawn out privatisation rather than continuing to expand its business opportunities. In ending Telstra's expansion, the Coalition will destroy the growing telecommunications industry and services export sector which Australia has developed under Labor. This sector has developed off the back of Telstra's industry support at home and overseas.  Even if John Howard sticks to his plans to limit foreign investment in Telstra, he would preside over the biggest single sale of an Australian asset to overseas interests. This would give foreign interests a say in how our telephone services are operated and would see a significant slice of the dividends that Telstra currently pays to taxpayers being sent overseas. The partial privatisation of Telstra is the beginning of the end for the price and service protections that  Communications.  TELSTRA (Continued).  The Coalition's Position.  TELSTRA'S NETWORK UPGRAPE PROGRAM.  “ … the Coalition will require Telstra to accelerate the FMO so that the digitisation of exchanges is completed across the country by I July 1997." (J Howard, Better Communications, 23 January 1996).  LABOR'S POSITION.  The Federal Labor Government has put in place a Deed with Telstra which requires Telstra to:  - complete its FMO program by 2000.  - meet interim targets to ensure that the modernisation program is not left until the last moment and is carried out in country areas at the same time as It Is upgrading urban areas.  - provide advanced telephony features everywhere by July 1997 irrespective of whether the exchange is digital.  Comment.  Benefit particularly rural and provincial Australians. John Howard might make commitments to preserve cross subsidies and to improve services. BUT, it would prove impossible to atop the new owners selling the profitable parts of Telstra and leaving a profitless shell to meet the costs of service delivery in provincial and rural Australia. Rural and provincial Australians would lose their cross-subsidies and end up paying up to $6,000 a year extra for basic telephone services  How does Howard expect to tell a privatised Telstra to do this? The Coalition's proposal is an example of Senator lan MacDonald's proposition to shadow Cabinet (hat they make regional infrastructure promises because they can (to paraphrase) promise the world in this area without actually having to deliver anything. The costs of accelerating Telstra's FMO will force phone charges up significantly. At the same time a privatised Telstra would result in massive price increases for services in rural Australia as the new owners move to isolate the loss making services. People in the bush would end up paying for John Howard's ill considered plans. The Federal Labor Government's agreement on modernisation of Telstra's network maximises the  Communications. TELSTRA (Continued).  The Coalition's Position.  UNIVERSAL ACCESS TO ISDN.  "The Coalition will therefore require Telstra to provide ISDN digital access services in line with the current FMO roll-out." (J Howard, Better Communications, 23 January 1996).  LABOR'S POSITION.  Telstra’s current program is to provide ISDN on demand.  Comment.  Participation of Australia's burgeoning telecommunications industry in the rollout. The Coalition's plans would destroy this industry. Overseas suppliers would be brought in to meet demand and long tem orders for Australian suppliers would be cancelled. The Coalition's proposal is an example of Senator lan MacDonald's proposition to shadow Cabinet that they make regional infrastructure promises because they can (to paraphrase) promise the world in this area without actually having to deliver anything. How does Howard expect to tell a privatised Telstra to do this? A privatised Telstra would result in massive price increases for services in rural Australia. People in the bush would end up paying for John Howard's ill-considered plans. The policy would see a particular technology steamrollered out at the cost of basic services and reduce the prospects of people in rural Australia taking advantage of emerging services. This is not necessarily the technology required by most Australians. What's more important for a farmer—an ISDN link or being able to afford the cost of basic telephone services? Will other carriers be expected to meet the cost as part of the of the USO?  Communications. AUSTRALIA POST.  The Coalition's Position  DEREGULATION.  - "… We will adhere to the current timetable [for the conduct of a review of Australia Post]" (J Howard 'Better Communications' 23 January 1996).  - "… the Coalition is unequivocally committed to maintaining Australia Post in full public ownership " (J Howard 'Better Communications' 23 January 1996).  - "The Coalition will maintain Australia Post's community service obligation to provide a standard letter service to all Australians at a uniform price " (J Howard 'Better Communications’ 23 January 1996).  - "Under this Prime Minister the way on micro-economic reform has been backwards…. [The Government] has watered down recommendations from the Industry Commission to open up postal services to greater competition . . ." (J Howard 'A Competitive Australia' 18 July 1995).  LABOR'S POSITION.  The Federal Labor Government is committed to the public ownership of Australia Post, keeping the current postal system In place and improving postal services particularly In the bush.  Under this Government's policies:  - The 45 cent letter rate has been frozen by Australia Post from 1992 to 1997. A real reduction of 25 cents a letter.  - there is increased choice of banks and banking services for people In the bush through giroPost; and  - Services to people in the bush have been increased. Australia Post is polling l500 communities across Australia to see whether people want a delivery or an increase in deliveries.  Comment.  Opposition policy is a warning to Australia Post management and employees to brace themselves for deregulation. John Howard's Better Communications document remains silent on the Industry Commission recommendations which he supports. Nothing that he has said in Better Communications would slop the implementations of the extensive deregulation proposed by the Commission and rejected by the Government.  Deregulation would see:  - a rise in the 45 cent letter rate.  - up to 1350 unprofitable post offices and licensed post offices closing, 900 of which are in rural and remote areas; and  - initially, a loss of between 2000 and 5000 jobs.  Communications. AUSTRALIA POST (Continued).  The Coalition's Position.  MAIL DELIVERIES IN THE BUSH.  "Those remote households which currently receive a roadside delivery only once a week will be provided with a twice weekly service, wherever possible." (J Howard 'Better Communications' 23 January 1966.).  LABOR'S POSITION.  The Federal Labor Government, through Australia Post, is increasing services to people in the bush. Australia Post is polling 1500 communities across Australia to see whether people want a delivery or an increase in deliveries. After 1,000 polls, 21% of communities have voted for change and these changes have been or are being implemented. There is increased choice of banks and banking services for people in the bush through giroPost.  Comment.  The Coalition is not telling rural Australia the full implications of its policies for Australia Post. After the Coalition implements its deregulation plans, services to rural Australia will be reduced and will become much more expensive.  The Coalition's proposal to increase roadside deliveries is inequitable. It does not help people who do not get a delivery. During polling of rural people about the services they want, Australia Post found that many rural people are satisfied with current arrangements. They prefer the privacy and security of a concessional private box at a post office. The Coalition's policies would substantially reduce the number of post offices in rural Australia with the resultant loss of banking and full postal services.  Communications. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND INFORMATION SERVICES.  The Coalition's Position.  ACCESS TO THE INFORMATION SUPERHIGHWAY.  • "In consultation with the States and Territories a Coalition Government will address the need to facilitate universal access to broadband information resources through educational institutions and public libraries", Richard Alston, Cultural Frontier, 6 October 1994  • "We will also promote the development of a national electronic network of collections ' ' by museums, galleries, public libraries and o'J. cultural institutions", Alston, Cultural Frontier, 6 October 1994.  LABOR'S POSITION.  The Federal Labor Government b Implementing:  - an $18 million program to provide all public libraries, some Government offices, community centres and 1000 farm families with access to the internet.  - the provision of bulletin boards and other services.  - a $10 million Initiative to digitise the content of our national cultural collections.  - the EDNA initiative which provides access to quality school curriculum and incorporates telecommunications carriers' commitments to provide free or low cost link to broadband cable for all schools passed.  Comment.  The Coalition makes an empty promise to give the community access to new services. John Howard wants to force Telstra to spend billions on enhancing ISDN links for those who can afford them—creating an information rich/information poor dichotomy. The Government's policy makes provision for those who cannot afford a computer and on-line links. The Opposition has no policy with respect to provision of curriculum through information services.  Communications. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND INFORMATION SERVICES (Continued).  The Coalition's Position.  INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY POLICY  • "An incoming Coalition Government will comprehensively overhaul the Government's existing Information Industries Strategy", Robert Hill and John Moore, Statement, 28 November 1995.  LABOR'S POSITION.  The Federal Labor Government has a comprehensive policy regarding development of IT Industries which have resulted in industry and export growth. It has:  - retained a computer bounty.  - Introduced or strengthened research and development incentives such as the Partnership for Development Program and  - provided support for multimedia development.  Comment.  The Coalition's lack of understanding of these important industries and resultant lack of policy (except a promised review) will lead to uncertainty in this sector. When he took the opportunity, in his first headland speech, to discuss the "communications revolution", John Howard spoke solely about how it was an opportunity for him to introduce his radical industrial relations agenda.  Communications. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND INFORMATION SERVICES (Continued).  The Coalition's Position.  AUSTRALIAN CONTENT FOR THE SUPERHIGHWAY.  • "We will establish a National Cultural Network which will enable our heritage and cultural collections to be more accessible, especially in rural and regional Australia." (J Howard, "The Australia I Believe In ". December 1995).  LABOR'S POSITION.  The Federal Labor Government has:  - announced a $10 million program to digitise Australian material of significance and make it available to schools and libraries.  - Implemented a $45 million venture capital fund (Australian Multimedia Enterprise).  - provided $20 million for 6 Cooperative Multimedia Development Centres.  - implemented a $7.6 million program to provide CD Roms to all Australian schools.  - endorsed recommendations of Broadband Services Expert Group to ensure Australian content of broadband services and  - directed the Australian Broadcasting Authority to conduct a public inquiry into content of on-line services including provisions for developing Australian content on these new and emerging services and  - announced funding to extend the Triple J World Wide Web site, J NET, and to establish an Australian Youth Network site.  Comment.  The Coalition does not appreciate the opportunities for Australia in producing content.  Richard Alston has indicated that the Government should not be involved in supporting content creation. He has criticised government efforts as "Money down the drain." The Coalition says it is prepared to commit to existing Australian content on existing services. However, it does not recognise the role content will play in positioning Australia in the new information and entertainment environment. The Coalition provides no details on the "National Cultural Network" whereas the Federal Labor Government has been implementing a program to digitise cultural material and make it available through Government resourced terminals in libraries, community centres, some government offices and 1000 farm families.  Consumer Affairs. OVERVIEW.  THE MOST contentious issue within the Consumer Affairs portfolio is the Government's Origin Labelling (Trade Practices) Amendment Bill The aim of the legislation is to give Australian consumers a clear and concise labelling system which ends the confusion in the marketplace about claims to the Australian origin of goods. The legislation was introduced in 1994. It has passed the House of Representatives and is awaiting introduction in the Senate. The Opposition and the Australian Democrats have proposed amendments to the legislation, which are opposed by the Government and industry. These amendments would also drastically alter the successful "Australian Made" campaign. The Democrats have also proposed a new origin labelling system as a key element of their policy platform for the coming election. Because the Opposition changed its Consumer Affairs spokesperson four times during the Federal Labor Government's current term, it has been impossible for them to have any real understanding of the legislation. One former Consumer Affairs Shadow Minister, Senator Amanda Vanstone, even supported the Government's belief that the amendments proposed by her Party and the Democrats would create more confusion for consumers. So the Opposition is divided on the issue. There are two other issues worth mentioning. In its "Speakers' Notes" the Opposition referred to Labor's "bank bashing" over bank fees and charges. This is perilous ground for the Opposition, because bank fees and charges have little public support. By contrast, the Government announced an inquiry by the PSA into fees and charges (see Treasury and Finance). The other issue is the Uniform Credit Legislation. This is not Commonwealth Legislation, although the Federal Government has been involved through the Ministerial Council on Consumer Affairs. Template legislation was first passed in Queensland and all Slates and Territories were meant to have had their legislation through for an implementation date of September 1995. This has been delayed on at least two occasions, with August 1996 the revised starting dale. The legislation is also holding up the Banking Code of Practice, in which the Commonwealth was heavily involved. However, the Federal Government can do little beyond urging the States and Territories to get their acts together.  Consumer Affairs. ORIGIN LABELLING.  The Coalition's Position.  The Coalition has proposed amendments to the Federal Labor Government's Origin Labelling (Trade Practices) Bill. These amendments are mostly in line with the Democrats' proposals, and change the meaning of the current use of "Made in Australia" as identified by the courts and the Australian Made Campaign. The Government does not support these amendments.  LABOR'S POSITION.  The Federal Government introduced its legislation In 1994. The Bill has passed the Lower House and is awaiting introduction in the Senate. The aim of the legislation is to give consumers a clear and concise labelling system for products claiming an Australian origin. The Government exhausted all the possible systems, and developed legislation which reflects the current meaning and is consistent with the Australian Made Campaign.  Comment.  Since the legislation was introduced, the Opposition has had four different Consumer Affairs spokespeople. One of these. Sen. Amanda Vanstone, publicly supported the Government's view about the meaning of the legislation. The Opposition has had very little to say about the legislation. The current Shadow Minister, Warren Truss, has had even less to say. The problem with the Democrats' proposal is that it cannot be enforced. The Government has looked at all the options. The Opposition doesn't under-stand the legislation. As a result Australians are missing out on the protections it provided against false and misleading labelling information.  Consumer Affairs. UNIFORM CREDIT CODE.  The Coalition's Position.  No position.  LABOR'S POSITION.  The Federal Labor Government helped develop the Banking Code of Practice, which cannot commence until all States and Territories have pawed template Uniform Credit Legislation.  The Government has continued to urge the States and Territories to move quickly.  Comment.  Little can be done because it is State and Territory legislation. However, the delays have been of enormous frustration to the Commonwealth. The Uniform Credit Code was due to commence in Sept. 1995. It has been further delayed until August 1996, awaiting WA and Tasmania to pass their legislation.  Defence and Defence Science and Personnel. OVERVIEW.  IN THE Defence portfolio, the Federal Labor Government has continued to strengthen relations with regional countries, invest in major capital equipment and facilities, and improve the working conditions of Australian Defence Force personnel. Labor has continued to highlight the importance of our relationship with Indonesia. The historic security treaty signed with Indonesia late last year reinforces the confidence each country has in each other and provides for Australia's future. Even though the Opposition claim they regard the treaty as a sensible move, John Howard, in his Defence headland speech did not once mention our specific relationship with Indonesia. Instead, the Opposition leader was espousing a 1950's style defence policy for Australia, pledging a coalition government to strengthening, an already strong alliance with the United States. The Government's commitment to maintaining defence capabilities include: the construction in Adelaide of six Collins Class submarines, the construction in Melbourne of ten ANZAC Frigates, the upgrade of the RAAF's P3-C Orion aircraft, the acquisition of 12 C-130J Hercules and the future construction in Cairns of two Hydrographic ships.  Capital facilities development in Defence includes: the construction activities at both HMAS Stirling, in relation to the two-ocean basing policy and Robertson Barracks in the Northern Territory as part of the increased Army presence in the North. Other defence facility decisions include the construction of the East Coast Armaments Complex in Victoria, the Russell Redevelopment in Canberra and the upgrade of the DSTO facilities in South Australia. The Federal Labor Government has always identified our defence personnel as being fundamental to our defence capabilities. Late last year the Minister for Defence Science and Personnel released the Glenn Report and announced a package of new measures for Defence personnel. Highlights of the package included greater recognition and equality for single personnel, a spouse employment strategy, the doubling of the maximum subsidised loan available under the Defence Home Owner Scheme from $40,000 to $80,000 and the establishment of a flexible child care system.  Defence and Defence Science and Personnel. STRATEGIC APPROACH.  The Coalition’s Position.  "Labor has still not developed an adequate regional security policy appropriate for the post Cold War era. The ambiguities in its approach to regional engagement need to be resolved if Australia is to have an effective security policy", (John Howard, Defence Headland Speech, 5 October 1995).  LABOR'S POSITION.  Under Labor strategic guidance and policy goals for Defence have been firmly outlined in a series of Strategic Reviews and White Papers which provide a clear guide to our future intentions.  Those policies clearly enunciate three basic tenets to our approach to Defence; Self Reliance, Regional Engagement and Alliances. The Government clearly recognises that, post cold war, we face a period of growing complexity and uncertainty which will make the task of developing capabilities for the self reliant defence of Australia and the pursuit of security interests within the region far more demanding.  Comment.  The Coalitions analysis of the factors shaping our strategic circumstances are simply a rehash of the Governments detailed assessments.  Defence and Defence Science and Personnel. RELATIONS WITH THE REGION.  The Coalition's Position.  "We have a policy supporting closer defence relations with the region since 1992. In contrast the Governments first consideration of this was in the Strategic Review published in December 93". (John Howard, Defence Headland Speech, 5 October 1995).  LABOR'S POSITION.  The Labor Government's 1987 Defence White Paper identified promoting security and liability with the region as a fundamental element in our approach to Defence. The Government has and continues to add depth and diversity to our regional defence relationships—through more complex exercises, expanded training opportunities, higher level strategic exchanges and in areas such as defence industry and scientific collaboration. The recent security treaty with Indonesia is just one example of how the Government is seeking Australia's security in Asia, whilst the Opposition is seeking security from Asia.  We have given priority to the countries of South East Asia as these are our near neighbours and developments there have the more direct bearing on our security  Comment.  The lack of balance in the coalition's approach to regional engagement is reflected in the omission of any statement regarding the South-West Pacific. In contrast, this Government remains committed to assisting our pacific neighbours to meet their security needs.  Defence and Defence Science and Personnel. CAPABILITIES.  The Coalition's Position.  "The Coalition believes (hat a strong defence force must be structured in a way appropriate to today's circumstances. That means the maintenance and enhancement of military skills, timely intelligence, quick reaction times, rapid mobility and adequate firepower." (John Howard, Defence Headland Speech, 5 October 1995).  LABOR'S POSITION.  The Government is committed to maintaining and developing Australia's defence capabilities, and ensuring we have the level and mix of capabilities necessary for defence Self Reliance.  Under Labor:  - eight ANZAC frigates will be introduced over the next ten years which will enhance our surface combat fleet.  - the six COLLINS class submarines entering service over the next five years will be the most capable conventional boats in the world.  - the Government will purchase the new C-130J transport aircraft and a replacement for the ageing Caribou aircraft.  - early warning aircraft will be introduced.  Other major projects the Government is committed to include the:  - Jindalee Operational Radar Network (JORN).  - Lead In fighters to replace the macchi Jet trainer; Helicopters for our ANZAC frigates.  - Australian Light Armoured Vehicles; and Training and helicopter support ship.  Comment.  What little the Opposition has to say about capabilities needed for the defence of Australia such as timely intelligence, highly mobile and capable forces, quick response and a close partnership between defence and Industry merely parrots what the government has already spelt out in considerable detail?  Defence and Defence Science and Personnel. ALLIANCES.  The Coalition's Position.  "The ANZUS Alliance has slipped down the priority list because of the Government's single minded focus on building closer relations with countries in the region." (John Howard, Defence Headland Speech, 5 October 1995).  LABOR'S POSITION.  Alliances remain a critical element of this Government's defence policy—none more so than thee US alliance. It provides Australia with unparalleled access to Intelligence, technology and bilateral training opportunities. Similarly, our alliance with New Zealand has allowed closer defence relations to develop and mature.  Comment.  The Opposition's claims that the alliance with the US is drifting are nonsense. The Australia/United States relationship is as good now as it has ever been. As far as the Americans are concerned the relationship is in excellent shape and they regard Australia as their most reliable ally around the globe.  The great irony is that while the opposition leader says he values the role played by the US Australia join facilities and urges closer co-ordination of trade and defence policy, the Deputy leader keeps urging the use of the joint facilities as a bargaining chip in trade negotiations.  Defence and Defence Science and Personnel. TEETH TO TAIL RATIO.  The Coalition's Position.  "There are deficiencies in the combat power of the Australian Defence Force Too much of the defence budget is spent on administration and not enough on combat capability " (John Howard, Defence Headland Speech, 5 October).  " I he defence administrative structure is costly, top heavy, bureaucratic, slow to make decisions and unsuited to potential wartime needs" (Senator Jocelyn Newman, Press release, 8 October 1995).  LABOR'S POSITION.  Under Labor, Australia's military planning processes ensure that sufficient combat forces can be made available to meet today's strategic circumstances, and Australia’s longer term military security requirements. When the Liberal Government was in power the defence bureaucracy numbered around 42,000. Since Labor took office in 1983 that number has been reduced to around 20,000.  The successful implementation of the Commercial Support Program (CSP) has enabled the government to reduce the number of defence force personnel in support functions and released them for combat activities. The Commercial Support Program now yields $100 million per year in savings which are channelled back to the combat force.  Comment.  John Howard and Senator Jocelyn Newman have both been stressing perceived short fallings in our combat capability. If a threat to Australia ever emerges then we have the ability to expand to meet those requirements. The Opposition has failed to provide any details on how they would make any savings Howard's "further administrative savings" would mean savage staff cuts with devastating effects on the morale and efficiency of the Defence force  Defence and Defence Science and Personnel. DEFENCE SPENDING.  The Coalition's Position.  ‘In Australia we have seen a run down in defence expenditure to a point where we know spend only 2% of GDP on defence " (John Howard, Defence Headland Speech, 5 October 1995).  LABOR'S POSITION.  As stated in the White Paper, Labor is committed to sustaining defence spending at approximately 2% of GDP. Labor has reformed the nature of Defence budgets. From 1996-97, Defence will operate a five year budget to ensure stability in our long term planning.  Comment.  At every possible occasion the Opposition have ducked at the question of how much they will spend on Defence. John Howard had an opportunity during his recent headland speech, whilst Senator Newman's most recent response to the question is: "We want, to first of all, see just exactly how well the Department of Defence is acquitting its responsibility of defending Australia and in doing so using Ihe taxpayer's dollars". (Senator Jocelyn Newman, PM, 6/1095).  If we are to rely on previous policies put out by the Coalition, spending on defence would be heavily cut. In Fightback the Opposition announced $150 million cut in the First year and a further $350 million the next year, with on going savings of $500 million. The Opposition claimed these savings could me made from "purely administrative and non strategic support areas of the Department of Defence combined with a rigorous application of commercial reforms" (Fightback page 248). The Opposition claimed that these savings could be made from "purely administrative and nonstrategic support areas of the Department of Defence combined with a rigorous application of commercialisation reforms." (Fightback pg 248). They stated $300 million of these savings would he redirected toward combat capability.  Defence and Defence Science and Personnel. RESERVES.  The Coalition's Position.  “I he Coalition's concern about the Ready Reserve is that it has turned the General Reserve into the third cousin of the Defence Force", (John Howard, Defence Headland Speech, 5 October 1995).  LABOR'S POSITION.  The 1994 Defence White Paper included the most comprehensive statement on Reserves ever made by an Australian Government. Initiatives stemming from the White Paper included Reserves being an integral part of the total force structure. Reserves make up about 40% of the uniformed strength of the ADF. A recent study of the structure of the Army has confirmed the fundamental importance of the reserve forces in the Defence of Australia. The Government has recently announced legislation to protect Reserves' civilian employment for those who are called out or volunteer to participating in peacekeeping or humanitarian relief overseas.  Defence and Defence Science and Personnel. READY RESERVES.  The Coalition's Position.  "The much vaunted Ready Reserve scheme is too costly and is a drain on our defence effort rather than contributing to it" (Senator Jocelyn Newman, Press Release, 6 October 1995).  LABOR'S POSITION.  In 1991 when the scheme was announced the Minister directed that the scheme should be reviewed three years after its commencement in January 1992. A review of the Ready Reserve scheme but year recommended the Ready Reserves be retained and expanded in some areas. The authors of the review said the scheme "provides a useable capability between the generally higher readiness of regular forces and the generally lower readiness of other reserve force.  Comment.  John Howard ignores the capabilities of the 3600 strong 6th brigade, which provides the opportunities for the cream of Australia's youth to make a contribution to the nation's defence.  He also ignores the $76 million savings per year in which the scheme yields.  Defence and Defence Science and Personnel. DEFENCE PERSONNEL.  The Coalition's Position.  "The Coalition will "End the erosion of living standards of service families by providing adequate salaries, allowances and conditions of service for those Australians who serve the country in the their unique profession of arms " (The Things That Matter, September 1994).  LABOR'S POSITION.  The 1994 Defence White Paper emphasised that "people are fundamental to all our defence capabilities." Over the past decade, the Labor Government has given tangible recognition to the importance of Defence personnel and their families through initiatives such as:  - the $750 million to Improve defence housing.  - the establishment of the Defence Force.  Remuneration Tribunal to determine pay and allowances having regard to the special nature of Defence Force service. Under the Tribunal, and me Government's Workplace Bargaining policies, from 1992 to 1994 Defence pay rates grew in excess of the community standard.  Defence and Defence Science and Personnel. DEFENCE PERSONNEL.  The Coalition's Position.  'Our fundamental position is that there's go« to be some readjustment back to the personnel side of the expenditure equation and that's got to include, probably better remuneration packages." (Wilson Tuckey Interview w 2LAf, 25 October 1995.).  LABOR'S POSITION.  On 10 December 1995 the Minister for Defence Science and Personnel announced a package of new measures for Defence personnel. They included:  - Greater recognition and equality for single personnel, including a commitment to give single personnel greater choice and equity in their accommodation arrangements.  - The doubling of the maximum subsidised home loan available under the Defence Home Owner scheme from S40,000 to $80.000.  - A spouse employment strategy and  - The establishment of the best and most flexible employer provided child care system in Australia, covering long day care, occasional care, and family day care.  In addition, over the next two to three year the Government will be examining and Introducing fundamental reforms to the career management, posting and remuneration systems In the Defence Force, following recommendations of the Glenn Report on the ADF's personnel policy strategy.  Defence and Defence Science and Personnel. DEFENCE MEDALS.  The Coalition's Position.  "The Coalition will also reduce the qualifying period for World War 11 service eligibility for the Australian Service Medal 1939-45 from 18 months to 30 days" (Wilson Tuckey, Media Release, 27 September 1995). The Coalition will reduce "eligible service with the Volunteer Defence Corps for the ASM 1939-45 from 3 years to 6 months " (Wilson Tuckey, Media Release, 27 September 1995).  LABOR'S POSITION.  The Australian Service Medal 1939-45 is an Imperial award which was established to recognise Australians who served under Australian colours during WW II. The significant difference between the ASM 1939-15 and die ASM 1945-75 is that the former is awarded to recognise operational or warlike service and the later recognises non-warlike or peacekeeping operations.  Defence and Defence Science and Personnel. DEFENCE INDUSTRY.  The Coalition's Position.  "We rely on the partnership between industry and defence, and believe that this partnership needs to be strengthened in a way which best meets the needs of all parties " (John Howard, Defence Headland Speech, 5 October 1995).  LABOR'S POSITION.  The Government stated in the Defence White Paper that a strong defence Industry is vital in sustaining the operational effectiveness of the Australian Defence Force.  In 1994/9S, the level of Defence expenditure on facilities, equipment, goods and services spent in Australia under Labor was approximately 80%.  Defence related industries have benefited from measures the Government has taken to improve the international competitiveness of Australian Industry.  Major defence projects inch as the Collins Class Submarines and ANZAC frigates have created a range of new technologies and skills in Australia.  Labor has stressed the importance of a long-term relationship between Defence and industry focusing on Australia's strategic priorities.  Employment, Education & Training. Overview.  THE MAJOR issues are unemployment, training, school education, higher education and youth. Peter Costello has already indicated that the Coalition is lining up to cut Working Nation programs.  The Employment, Education and Training portfolio, with $14 billion expenditure in 1995-96, will be targeted for major savings by the Coalition once the Commission of Audit (see Treasury and Finance's completes its examination. Working Nation funding, school funding and higher education will all @ the firing line for cuts. The Coalition will abdicate Commonwealth leadership in education and training reform, leaving Australia with a fragmented system of education. Reducing unemployment is the Federal Labor Government's highest priority. Labor has set itself a target of 5% unemployment rate by the turn of the century, committed massive resources ($9 billion over 4 years), and mobilised communities, employers, unions and regions to achieve the target In contrast, the Coalition has refused to even set a target and nab promised to slash Working Nation funding. Reductions to Working Nation will put long term unemployed people on the scrap heap. The Federal Labor Government has massively expanded Commonwealth expenditure on schools, vocational education and training. For example, between 1983 and 1995 real funding for schools has increased by 43% and real funding for vocational education and training has increased by 53% (56% up to 1996). The Federal Labor Government is committed to strong national leadership in education and training reform. We have implemented national targets for achievement of qualifications by young people (Finn targets), reformed school curricula, expanded entry level training and made vocational subjects more available at schools. Expenditure cuts are inevitable under the Coalition: education and training is clearly low on its priorities—it has said little to date, and State Liberal Governments have clearly demonstrated their lack of commitment to school education (just look at the approach adopted by Jeff Kennett). The Federal Labor Government has massively expanded the higher education system. Real expenditure has increased 67% since Labor took office in 1983, and the number of students has grown from 340,000 in 1982 to over 600,000 in 1995. This expansion has been financed in part by the HECS payment system, which has made Australia a world leader in terms of the fairness and equity of higher education funding. The Coalition has promised no changes to HECS and no undergraduate fees, but has said that it will increase funding to universities through contributions from industry. This is clearly a smokescreen to hide their real agenda of using the Commission of Audit to pave the way for cuts in government funding. The Federal Labor Government has a comprehensive youth policy to reduce full time unemployment of young people, and give them the education and skills so they can share in the jobs growth that will occur over the next 10 years. The Coalition, while loudly lamenting the youth unemployment, has provided no policy details.  Employment, Education & Training. UNEMPLOYMENT TARGET.  The Coalition's Position.  No target level for unemployment, although "our aim is to get youth unemployment down, so that it is not three times the adult rate," (Kemp (too/stop 11/1/96).  LABOR'S POSITION.  The Federal Labor Government's highest priority is to cut unemployment to 5% by the turn of the century, and Is committed to a $9 billion 4 year program to achieve this.  Labor is committed to ensuring that every young Australian aged IS-19 will have the opportunity to be in education, training or employment by the turn of the century.  Comment.  No target highlights lack of commitment by the Coalition to reducing unemployment.  Employment, Education & Training. CUTS TO WORKING NATION.  The Coalition's Position.  [where would you cut Labor expenditure?] " .. we think that in relation to many of the Working Nation programs. Acre's room for savings....in relation to Commonwealth duplication there are enormous room for savings." Costello press conference 20/8/96 [The Special Intervention Program] "was a big waste of money .far too much of the money that has been spent under Working Nation is going into activities which are not real jobs or have limited life." (Kemp quoted in Sunday Telegraph 22/10/95).  LABOR'S POSITION.  The number of young people aged 15-19 who are full-time unemployed is 44% lower today than to March 1983. In March 1983 158.100 young people aged 15-19 were unemployed. In December 1995 this was down to 88,100. Since the 1993 election 738,200 new Jobs have been created. Funding for Working Nation will be $9 billion over 4 years. This is a record level of commitment by any Australian Government to help unemployed. Working Nation offers the long-term unemployed the work experience they need to compete effectively in the labour market.  Comment.  Cuts to Working Nation highlights lack of commitment by Coalition to reducing unemployment.  The Coalition committed to the Special Intervention Program in Fightback, but it is now preparing to cut it. Without Working Nation the long-term unemployed will be left on the scrap heap.  Employment, Education & Training. LABOUR MARKET PROGRAMS.  The Coalition's Position.  "... establish a community employment program and structures which will give much more independence and authority to communities and regions to ensure that effective programs are funded  …guidelines should be flexible and programs more generic in character, [abolish] rigid age requirements for existing programs.. [lessen centralised control in tendering processes] while continuing to insist on proper accountability for taxpayer funds ... place much more weight on outcomes ... give @ recognition to the experience and effectiveness of agencies in funding policies." Kemp 'Jobs For Young Australians' speech 30/10/95 "flood gates of expenditure have just opened ... the guidelines for all these programs have become much more flexible ... government is just throwing taxpayer's money at the problem . ." Kemp 2UE Bob Rodgers 22/1095.  LABOR'S POSITION.  Area Consultative Committees (ACCs) were established under Working Nation to ensure that regional employment and training needs are met. ACCs perform a similar function to the Coalition's model, except that the CES has final say on allocation of funds. ACCs tailor national labour market programs to suit regional needs, ensuring more effective allocation of public resources. 62 ACCs around Australia have successfully harnessed local businesses, unions and community groups in a commitment to reduce unemployment. Very few labour market programs have age limits. Where they do exist, age limits are to ensure proper targeting of the program (eg for young people). Contracted case managers are rewarded on performance monitored by Employment Service Regulatory Authority (ESRA).  Comment.  The Coalition's model abrogates responsibility for employment programs by passing them to community organisations. The flexibility that the Coalition wants does not extend to the discretion of the CES to apply funds according to need. No real accountability safeguards. The Coalition can't call for greater flexibility and at the same time criticise current programs for their flexibility. There is no guarantee that current funding will be maintained.  Employment, Education & Training. TRAINING WAGE.  The Coalition's Position.  "There were a number of aspects of the Working Nation approach we endorsed [such as] the principle of a national training wage system." Howard ACOSS speech 13/10/95.  "It is essential that there be a training wage system that is readily understood by and attractive to both young people and employers... Coalition is inviting employer organisations and small and medium sized business to consider the @ of the Training Wage arrangements to ensure they are less complex and more attractive .. . the inexperience of young people and the limitations on their capacity to contribute to increasing productivity in the workplace needs to be recognised in the wages structure." Kemp 'Jobs For Young Australians” speech 30/10/95.  "We are not going to have a $3 an hour youth wage." Howard Young Libs speech 8/1/98.  Would you allow employers to pay under award wages without a training component as a way of solving youth unemployment? "No." Howard "Face to Face" 7/1/96.  LABOR'S POSITION.  The Federal Labor Government is committed to award-based protection for young people in training or otherwise in work. The National Training Wage Award prescribes the wages and conditions for trainees and obliges employers to provide quality training. Pay rates are adjusted in line with National Wage Case decisions. The employer does not pay for time spent in off-the-job training. The incentive to employ young people and the unemployed is provided by Government subsidies—not wage cuts. Labor regards age-bated junior rates in awards as discriminatory and will work with industrial parties to ensure young people are paid according to the skill and competence they demonstrate on the job. Under guidelines endorsed by the Australian Industrial Relations Commission (AIRC) and agreed between the Government and industry parties, this process must maintain or improve the employment and training projects of young people and their competitiveness in the labour market, without reducing the wages of existing employees. Rates must reflect the unproductivity of training time, the costs and benefits of the training to employers, and the need for young workers to mature in work orientation and experience in order to achieve full competency.  Comment.  The Coalition has made no commitment to the National Training Wage in its current form. Workplace agreements will not be required to make any provision for training. All employees could be called trainees, paid the lower traineeship award rate, but receive no training. The Coalition will ask employers, but not unions, to revise training wage arrangements. Under the Coalition, unemployed people, school leavers and other new entrants to the labour market will not have the right to choose to work under the relevant award. The Coalition would keep discriminatory junior rates, and legislate to prevent them from being struck down in Federal awards.  Employment, Education & Training. SCHOOLS EDUCATION.  The Coalition's Position.  "We will [wind] back specific grants to the States [giving them] greater freedom of choice when deciding their programs and priorities." Howard headland speech June 1995 (not specifically in reference to schools).  "We will maintain funding, we will continue the same division of funding between the private sector and the public sector—but at least it won't be worse… we will continue the national equity type programs and we will continue (to) tie them as well... we see potential difficulties still in education of rural and regional children… we believe the national equity program to be a priority." Hill, NSW Teachers Federation Conference, 21/10/95.  LABOR'S POSITION.  The Federal Labor Government is committed to making States accountable through tied grants for ensuring an appropriate standard of education is available for all.  The Federal Labor Government is committed to maintaining its investment in school education ... We are committed to a $13.7 b funding floor for Australian school education and $270m real growth funding for non-government schools between 1997-2000.  Comment.  If specific grants for schools were cut, the way would be open for State governments to shift funding out of schools. State Liberal Governments have clearly demonstrated their lack of commitment to school education eg, Kennett Government has cut $400m from schools budget, closed 300 schools and sacked 8000 teachers.  Employment, Education & Training. MAKING SCHOOLS MORE RELEVANT TO WORK.  The Coalition's Position.  "The TRAC Program in NSW has been working for some time to achieve links between schools and the workplace . . . that's something that the Coalition has strongly supported, and the Australian Student Traineeship Foundation has, as its mission, achieving these kind of links." Kemp doorstop 9/11/95.  LABOR'S POSITION.  The Federal Labor Government is committed to providing Commonwealth leadership in making school more relevant to work. It supports the TRAC program, which has been built on by the Australian Student Traineeship Foundation which specifically provides opportunity for secondary school students to undertake 'on the Job' or vocational training while still at school. The Federal Labor Government is looking at options to expand school industry programs to give senior school students more learning options.  Comment.  The Commonwealth has taken the lead in student traineeships through the Australian Student Traineeship Foundation (ASTF). There is no commitment by the Coalition to the ASTF and it is likely that this program would face cuts. The Coalition would abdicate leadership on schools to the State Governments.  Employment, Education & Training. VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING (VET).  The Coalition's Position.  ‘Increase development of open and competitive training market’. Kemp reported in The Ago 11/12/95.  "A Coalition Government would get rid of the excessive bureaucracy and greatly simplify training arrangements to make them more attractive to employers and trainees ... valuable features of present arrangements should be retained, such as the goal of national recognition of qualifications, and competency-based training, where appropriate." Kemp Press Release 10/11/95.  "We will be simplifying training arrangements and ensuring that the ultimate job providers have greater involvement in the training schemes to make sure they suit their workplace needs... We will ensure that employers— who after all will be taking on the long term unemployed—have greater input into the design, development and implementation of programs ". Howard ACOSS speech 13/10/95.  LABOR'S POSITION.  While committed to a competitive training market, The Federal Labor Government is also committed to maintaining and expanding TAPE. Labor recognises the importance of a strong TAPE system, and the need for strong Commonwealth leadership to hold the States accountable for qualitative and equity outcomes, as well as for managing vocational education and training costs. The Federal Labor Government is committed to continuing professional development of TAFE staff and a national framework for reform and quality assurance In VET provision. Labor has dramatically increased options for enterprise specific training e.g. large employers like QAMTAS can now endorse their own competency standards, 30% of the small business traineeship can be written by the employer, and employers of large numbers of trainees can receive subsidies up-front to develop their own accredited training arrangements. The Federal Labor Government has increased real VET funding by 56% since 1983. The Australian National Training Authority (ANTA) agreement will see $l.55 billion of Commonwealth funds injected between 1993-97 resulting in 735,000 additional places, with 182,000 more places in 1996 alone.  Comment.  If the approach taken by Coalition State Governments is any guide, the federal Coalition would make VET funding conditional on States putting all VET provision to competitive tender. This would severely undermine the TAFE system, and undermine access by rural communities, disadvantaged, etc. to VET, and lead to downgrading of public VET infrastructure (i.e. Open Learning, etc.) The Coalition is likely to increase employer representation on training advisory and accreditation bodies. Unions will be cut out of training arrangements. Employers will be given greater scope to "accredit" their own training, and still attract public funds. These changes will limit workers ability to move between employers and have their qualifications recognised. The Coalition's call for greater competition in VET and deregulation of the national training framework provides the rationale for cuts to ANTA funding.  Cuts to additional funding committed to by the Federal Labor Government will jeopardise the Government's target that by 2000 95% of 19 year olds will have completed or be undertaking some form of post-compulsory education, participation in VET of equity groups, and result in unmet demand for TAFE e.g. without these additional funds in 1996, 46.000 students would be denied access to TAFE.  Employment, Education & Training. UNIVERSITIES.  The Coalition's Position.  - ‘Government has transformed the (higher education) system traumatically into mass education without addressing the issue of funding". R Hill. Meet the Press. 5/11/95.  - "The Commonwealth contribution per student has dropped about sixteen per cent" R Hill. Angela Cattems—radio 28/3/95.  - "The sector that has been inadequately contributing to Australian education has basically been business and commerce". R. Hill, Meet the Press, 5/11/95.  - "Provide greater choice and diversity within the system and also to improve quality". R. Hill, Meet the Press, 5/11/95.  - "Strongly believe in equity and social justice and access to educational opportunities ... support for distance education". R Hill. Address to AVCC, 13/3/85 (pi 2.4).  - Every year, tens of thousands of young people miss out on university places". Howard, ACOSS speech, 13/10/95 p 12.  - "One area that has been particularly hard hit (by the funding squeeze) is university research". R Hill, Address to AVCC. 13/3/95 (p 8).  LABOR'S POSITION.  Real funding per student has increased under Labor. Funding per Equivalent Full Time Student Unit (EFTSU) had returned to 1983 levels by 1992 and by 1998 is planned to be 3% higher than in 1983.  Total resources allocated through DEET programs will have increased in real terms by 70% by 1998 compared with 1983 (from S3.2 billion In 1983 to $5.4 billion in 1998) (all 1996 prices).  Federal Labor Government policy promotes access to regional universities. We are committed to all these goals and have policies to implement them. Education Network Australia (EdNA) and internet initiatives will address remote access problems. In addition, die Government makes payments for remote student travel and accommodation. Demand for higher education has dropped significantly in the last two years. This, together with the large number of additional places created by the Federal Labour Government, means that almost all eligible students who apply for a place are now able to get one. Real research funding has increased under the Federal Labor Government By 1997 total research funding (outside the operating grant) will amount to $385 million, an Increase of 392% from 1983. Research funding per EFTSU is expected to increase by 200% in real terms over the period.  Comment.  The Coalition would extract more funding from business and industry, in addition to the support that industry already provides through scholarships, donations, sponsorships, partnerships, etc. This would be achieved possibly by encouraging more private providers to enter the higher education sector, as a means of reducing Government commitments.  Employment, Education & Training. INCOME SUPPORT.  The Coalition's Position.  "A Federal Coalition Government would try and bridge the gap between the dole and AUSTUDY to encourage school leavers to go to university,". Reports in Western Australian, Northern Star and Daily Examiner of Howard address— to Ballina High School) 14/9/95.  LABOR'S POSITION.  Labor has been progressively moving to a closer alignment of AUSTUDY and JSA/NSA rates. For under 18 year olds the rates are the fame to ensure there is no disincentive for young people to remain or return to school. For over 18 year olds, AUSTUDY is less than the dole BUT has a more generous personal income limit. In acknowledgement that students are more likely to obtain part time work to supplement their incomes. Students also have access to AUSTUDY which is a no real interest loan for up to $7,000 per annum. AUSTUDY addresses low Income problems for students. It is only intended to be a contribution towards the education expenses of financially disadvantaged students. The Family Law Act obliges parents to maintain their full-time student children until age 25. Access is broadened by the Higher Education Equity Program which provides around $5 million p.a. as seed funding for Initiatives to help groups such as those with disabilities, those from low socio-economic backgrounds and people from rural and isolated areas. The Open Learning Agency greatly increases access and allows anyone to enrol in courses that can lead to credit for a degree.  Comment.  AUSTUDY provides income support on a means tested basis to enable equitable access to secondary and higher education. In 1994-95 AUSTUDY expenditure was $1.5 billion and there were almost half a million beneficiaries. The Coalition's proposal is likely to lead to less effective targeting of student assistance to those truly in need e.g. university students from wealthy families would be entitled to receive AUSTUDY.  Environment. OVERVIEW.  FEDERAL Labor believes that environmental protection requires strong leadership from the Commonwealth Government combined with practical action at the Federal, State, Territory, local and individual levels. This Government is committed to fulfilling its domestic and international obligations to protect our terrestrial, marine and atmospheric environments and to ensure that development and economic growth are achieved in an ecologically sustainable manner. Federal Labor will, when necessary, use all the powers available to it—including the external affairs power—to protect the environment. This Government has been active in the negotiation of international conventions on environmental issues, and is committed to upholding the principles of those treaties it has signed up to. This Government has provided national leadership on important environmental issues even when it does not have direct jurisdiction. Labor has been active in raising issues such as native vegetation clearing, indigenous land management, environmental monitoring and coastal and marine management through effective dialogue with State and Territory governments. This has enabled co-operative efforts between the Commonwealth and State governments, backed with Commonwealth financial resources and expertise, on a great range of environmental issues. Engagement with local communities, along with awareness campaigns and financial assistance to community groups to undertake their own worthwhile environmental projects, is a high priority for this Government. The Coalition, with its emphasis on States' rights will be content to let the States run the agenda on environmental protection and will be prepared to act only when there is broad agreement among the States. Unfortunately, on the hard environmental issues, there is never broad agreement.  It is the hard issues that Federal Labor will continue to tackle and deliver on. The Coalition won't and can't.  Environment. EXTERNAL AFFAIRS POWER.  The Coalition's Position.  - "It would be quite wrong of anyone to imagine that a government led by me would actively repudiate its long standing distaste for the almost ritualistic way in which the present Labor Government has used the external affairs power to alter the domestic legal balance within Australia." (John Howard, letter to the editor, Financial Review. 17.1.96).  - "… the Coalition would use the external affairs power as a last resort to resolve an environmental conflict." (Kemp, Speaking Notes Young Liberal Conference, Jan 1996).  - The Coalition will only "Where necessary use the external affairs power, as a measure of @ resort to protect the environment." (John Howard, The Australia I Believe In—December 1995).  - "The external affairs powers won't apply in a lot of areas." (Rod Kemp, Radio 2RN—22 April 1995).  - …in the use of UN conventions we would not be prepared to use the external affairs power to upset the balance of the Constitution" (Rod Kemp, Senate Hansard, 28 September 1993).  - A federal Coalition government would approve no new world heritage areas or national parks until those in existence were properly managed and maintained. (Bill O'Chee, reported in Maryborough Chronicle, 20 November 1995).  - The National Party supports policies to ensure no use of the Commonwealth's external affairs power to extend Commonwealth power at the expense of the States. (Tim Fisher, National Party of Australia:  Federal Policies'—I 991).  LABOR'S POSITION.  The Labor Government has used the external affairs powers to protect the Gordon-Below-Franklin; Wet Tropics of Queensland, Tasmanian Wilderness and Great Barrier Reef World Heritage area adjacent to the proposed Port Hinchinbrook development. The Labor Government has a strong record of involvement in and promotion of international efforts to protect the environment when it believes that these efforts are in both Australia's and the wider global, interests. The Federal Labor Government has an outstanding record in the identification, management and protection of Australia's World Heritage assets. This Government's courage in acting to protect these sites of outstanding international value has produced some of the most important icons in the history of heritage protection in Australia.  Comment.  Coalition has only recently moved from a position of opposition to use of the external affairs power to protect the environment, to one of use as a last resort "Mr Howard is being absolutely unrealistic about the importance and influence of international agreements and conventions about the environment. He does not understand the issues and he does not understand what globalisation means " (Tricia Caswell. Age—8 June 1995).—on 1st Headland speech.  Environment. COASTS.  The Coalition's Position.  "Our precious coastal regions are under ore»sure from increased population growth."  (Kemp, Speaking Notes Young Liberal Conference. 9 Jan 1996.).  While Kemp has identified coasts as being one of the key environmental issues of concern (Kemp, Triple J—22 Sept 1995), very little has been said about what they actually propose.  The Coalition's only coastal policy appears to be the development of sewage treatment plants.  (Liberal Speakers Notes. November 1995).  LABOR'S POSITION.  In recognition of the significance of coaxial environments, the Federal Labor Government launched in May 1995 a $53 million Coastal Action Program (over four years) aimed at improving the management of Australia's coastline. The Program includes $23 million for Coastcare, which will boost community participation in coastal management. It will also help people involved in the day-to-day management of our coastline to improve their management skills.  Comment.  So far the Coalition has not offered any signs of support for the Government's Coastal Policy, offering only criticism focusing on the process. (Kemp, Press Release—1 June 1995)  Environment. LAND CLEARING.  The Coalition's Position.  "The Coalition will bring about the cessation of broad acre land clearing in Australia, to be implemented upon achieving Government. Such a program has already been implemented in South Australia and Victoria involving the co-operative compensation for owners negotiated between the Commonwealth and Sates for loss of future earnings." (lan McLachlan, A Clean Australia—January 1995).  The Coalition will bring: "about the voluntary cessation of broadacre land clearing in Australia"  (Kemp, Speaking Notes Young Liberal Conference, 9 Jan 1996).  LABOR'S POSITION.  The need for strengthened action to retain native vegetation has been recognised by Governments in the National Strategy for Ecologically Sustainable Development, the National Greenhouse Response Strategy, the Draft National Strategy for the Conservation of Australia's Biological Diversity and the National Landcare Program—all initiatives of this Government. This need was recently affirmed by the Australian and New Zealand Environment and Conservation Council (ANZECC) which agreed that accelerated action to encourage the retention of native vegetation is a high priority in Australia. The draft National Biodiversity Strategy provides a timetable which also acknowledges the pressing need for action, namely that "by the year 2000 Australia will have arrested and reversed the decline of remnant native vegetation." The Federal Labor Government has committed over $l billion to landcare programs. On 14 January 1996, as part of the 'Our Land' Statement, the Prime Minister announced that he will convene a National Forum on Vegetation Conservation and Management, with a particular focus on land clearing.  Comment.  How does the Coalition intend to implement a "voluntary" program? The Federal Labor Government has provided hard dollars and implemented solid programs to overcome the problem of land clearing.  No timetable is given for implementation by the Coalition. Costing is not given. Compensation for lost production is likely to be massive. Contrary to the Coalition Paper, compensation negotiations for South Australian & Victorian programs DID NOT involve the Commonwealth. The Coalition Paper does not acknowledge the existence of the National Biodiversity Strategy which has specific commitments relating to land clearing.  Environment. ENERGY.  The Coalition's Position.  The Coalition will "actively stimulate and encourage the development of new sources of energy which cause less damage to the Australian environment." (Liberal Speakers Notes—November 1995).  LABOR'S POSITION.  The Government's Greenhouse 21C plan of action involves a number of initiatives aimed at ensuring the sustainable and efficient use of energy. A National Sustainable Energy White paper is being developed for release by July 1996 with funding of 5445,000 to be provided for its implementation. An expert group will be convened to report on opportunities and constraints for the development of renewable energy technology. The Government recently established a Co-operative Research Centre (CRC) for Renewable Energy and Related Greenhouse Gas Abatement Technologies, funded by $15 million over 7 years. The strategic focus of the CRC is the incorporation of renewable energy sources into reliable electricity supply systems, ultimately contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gases. The Government's Renewable Energy industry Program (REIP) is aimed at developing a strong sustainable renewable energy industry in Australia. The program is worth S4.8 million over four years, announced In December 1995.  Environment. ENDANGERED SPECIES.  The Coalition's Position.  The Coalition will "redress Labor's negligence in failing to adequately protect Australian species". (LiberaI Speakers Notes—November 1995).  LABOR'S POSITION.  The Labor Government Introduced landmark legislation—the Endangered Species Protection Act and has continuously funded an endangered species protection program. Recently the Commonwealth & Queensland Governments announced a $16 million package of measures to protect the habitat of the mahogany glider and other endangered species in the tropical lowland forests of Queensland. The conservation movement welcomed this package as inspirational  Comment.  The Coalition has not revealed any detail, action or programs on how they will achieve this.  Environment. FERAL ANIMALS.  The Coalition's Position.  The Coalition will "set goals for the elimination of feral animal problems."  (Liberal Speakers Notes—November 1995).  LABOR'S POSITION.  The Federal Government has established two co-ordinated programs to address the impact of feral animals and weeds. The Feral Pelts Program is reducing the impact of feral pests on the natural environment, particularly for endangered species. The Vertebrate Pests Program is focused on agricultural lands. Both of these programs form a significant element of the Government's Landcare commitment The Government also has an active program of research and application of biological control methods.  Environment. AIR POLLUTION.  The Coalition's Position  Also identified as a key environmental issue (Kemp, Triple J—22 Sept 1995), but also with very little having been said about any proposals.  LABOR'S POSITION.  The Government has funded a range of research and community-based projects forming part of national strategies to improve urban air quality, with $1.75 million worm of project funding announced in June this year.  This Included $516,000 to community organisations for a national "Smog Busters" project aimed at raising community awareness of pollution from motor vehicles and promoting the increased use of public transport in Australia's capital cities.  The Government has been very successful in reducing lead pollution by initially targeting the high levels of lead in petrol with the focus now being on lead-based paint. Our reduction target for 1998 has already been met so that ambient air lead levels are now below the World Health Organisation target in every capital city.  Environment. REVEGETATION OF CLEARED LAND.  The Coalition's Position.  To be carried out through a re-afforestation program.  "The Coalition's re-afforestation program will provide incentives to landowners for expenditure on capital items such as fencing, chemicals and seed/seedlings if the land owners donate land and labour for the program. This initiative will apply to both urban and rural Australia."  15% of cleared areas need to be rehabilitated, mostly requiring significant revegetation. Remedial action on 10 million hectares of southern and i.em. Australia within the next 15 years. (all from 'A Clean Australia'—January 1995).  LABOR'S POSITION.  The Government already has a number of re- afforestation programs in place, including the One Billion Trees, Save the Bush, Corridors of Green and farm forestry programs.  The Government established the National Landcare Program, which has brought about a revolution in attitudes towards management of our natural resources. The Government has so far committed over $l billion to landcare since 1990.  The "clean, green" image of the Coalition's paper is already being promoted by the Government in its domestic policies and through a number of International programs.  Comment.  The details and effectiveness of the incentives proposed by the Coalition, the ability to target problem areas, and the total cost of the proposals are not clear.  Environment. WATER DEGRADATION.  The Coalition's Position.  The Coalition will…  • "Initiate and co-ordinate discussions with the States and the Commission to ensure the viability and future of the Murray-Darling Basin is assured. The Coalition will fund the rehabilitation program to ensure that the project is completed by the Year 2001". ("A Clean Australia'—January 1995).  LABOR'S POSITION.  Discussions between the Commonwealth and relevant states regarding the viability and future of the Murray-Darling Basin have been going on for years. This was the reason the Commission was set up, and its activities are supervised by a Ministerial Council. Although the Commonwealth would like to have wen a far greater degree of progress made on the co-operative management of environmental issues in the Murray-Darling, the states have traditionally been unwilling to negotiate the core issues such as water licensing agreements.  Comment.  The States and Territories have traditionally controlled water quality monitoring and management Does the Coalition intend for the Commonwealth to assume this power, or assist the stales to develop better water management as the Labor Government is already doing?  Environment. GREENHOUSE.  The Coalition's Position.  "The Coalition will vigorously pursue a full "no regrets" approach to implementing greenhouse reduction measures. We will also ensure that all international co-operative approaches are fully investigated and initiated. Furthermore, a nationally co-ordinated re-afforestation program in co-operation with State Governments will be implemented as a matter of urgency." ("A Clean Australia"—January 1995).  LABOR'S POSITION.  In 1992 the Government introduced the National Greenhouse Response Strategy. It Included a full "no regrets" approach to reducing national greenhouse gas emissions.  The Government added to the strategy with the launch of Greenhouse 21C in 1995 which will further help to reduce the growth In emissions. Current policies will bring us to within 3% of our stabilisation target by the year 2000. This will be pursued through cooperative agreements with Industry; enhanced greenhouse monitoring reporting and information networks; continued cooperation between the Commonwealth, State and focal governments; increased use of renewable energy sources; and leadership by the Commonwealth Government in promoting best environmental practice.  The Government's response to the greenhouse problem is a dynamic one and subject to continual review. There will be a major review of the Greenhouse Response Strategy in 1996.  Comment.  The only concrete part of the Opposition's plan to combat Greenhouse is the commitment of resources to a "major revegetation program".  Growing trees without cutting down the amount of fossil fuels burnt is an insufficient solution.  "To suggest that we can solve our greenhouse emission problem by simply planting more trees is an infantile statement". (Greenpease spokesman Jon Walter, Search— January/February 1995).  SEWERAGE.  The Coalition's Position.  Develop a 20-year plan to ensure the environmentally sensitive disposal of sewage waste using the latest technology available. We will ensure that the re-use of water becomes common place, if not universal ". ('Liberal Speakers Notes'—November 1995).  LABOR'S POSITION.  The Government has recently funded a demonstration program involving the installation of the latest innovative sewage treatment technology in Perth at a cost of $20 million. The Government already supports programs to assist communities that do not have the capacity to pay for proper sewage disposal of their own. $30 million was provided in the Prime Minister's 1992 Environment Statement towards dealing with sewage inflows to the Murray-Darling river system. The funding applies to ten identified locations which account for 90% of the sewage inflow to the Basin. The National Landcare Plan is already funding trials of new technologies and innovative approaches to sewage treatment, management and recycling. The Prime Minister's 1992 Environment Statement provided $10 million over four years for the Monitoring River Health Initiative. This provides for the establishment of a nationally co-ordinated uniform monitoring system emphasising biological indicators of river health and will be implemented through the States and Territories. This forms part of the Government's broader commitment to State of the Environment Reporting. The Government's National Water Quality Management Strategy aims to achieve the sustainable management of Australia's water resources by applying belt practice principles.  Comment.  While the concept of improved sewage technology is a good one, sewage is traditionally an area of State and Local Government responsibility. Is the Coalition now proposing that the Commonwealth pay for all sewage treatment facilities?  Environment. FORESTS.  The Coalition's Position  Senator Kemp and John Howard have said little on the issue of forests. But they have said enough to make it clear that the conservation result for forests would be significantly reduced under a Coalition Government. The Government's benchmark of protection of 15% of the pre-European settlement has the Coalition's "support [of] this as a worthwhile objective"... But they say that in some areas this benchmark will be "extremely difficult or impossible to achieve". (John Howard. Hansard— 30 November 1995 & Kemp, Speaking Notes Young Liberal Conference, 9 Jan 1996).  "The Coalition will not shy away from its responsibility to preserve Australia's high conservation value native forests. We are equally committed, however, to ensuring that major investments in sustainable forest industry ... are not put at risk." (John Howard. Hansard - 30 November 1995).  "The [Labor] forest policy has been a spectacular failure." (Kemp, Speaking Not»s Young Liberal Conference, 9 Jan 1996).  LABOR'S POSITION.  The Commonwealth Government has developed criteria for a national forest reserve system which has been recognised as world class, including:  - at least 15% of all the forest types that we had here before white settlement.  - the retention of a/ least 60% of existing old growth increasing up to 100% for rare old growth, and  - the protection of 90% or more of high quality wilderness.  The scientific Integrity of the Commonwealth's criteria has been endorsed by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and the National Biodiversity Council. The criteria was also welcomed by conservation groups and industry. The Commonwealth is also committed to ensuring that a high value-added wood products industry can operate on an ecologically sustainable basis outside the National Reserve System. This is being addressed through the Wood and Paper Industries Strategy.  Six million hectares have been set aside in deferred forest areas until Regional Forest Agreements are completed. Woodchip export licence volumes were cut by 12.4%, restricted to 5.251 m. tonnes.  The Wood & Paper Industry Strategy includes a $38 million industry development package & structural adjustment assistance to business & workers of $107 million over 5 years. These policy initiatives will ensure that Australia has both a vibrant forest-based industry as well as a world class forest conservation reserve.  Comment.  "Past Coalition policies on the forests have been disastrous from a conservation perspective, and we have no evidence that this has changed." (Tricia Caswell, Australian—21 Sept 1995).  The Coalition have taken a simplistic approach to a complex problem. They support the implementation of the National Forest Policy Statement, but will not utilise Federal levers or inhibit the powers of the states. Woodchip export licence control is our only lever (external affairs power), will the Coalition utilise it? The Coalition would not talk about benchmarks until they reluctantly followed the Government's lead of 15%, to which they have now committed themselves, but only when it is achievable. On the failure of Labor's forest policy, Senator Kemp & John Howard have publicly supported Labor's forest policy. They can not have it both ways.  Environment. COALITION THE "NATURAL" ENVIRONMENT PARTY?  The Coalition's Position.  - "The Liberal Party has a long tradition of concern for the environment. This concern reached a quite spectacular flowering under Malcolm Fraser who has a strong claim as Australia's 'Green' Prune Minister. Would anyone argue that his successors Hawke and Keating had the same natural empathy with environmental issues that Malcolm Fraser demonstrated.?" (Kemp, Speaking Notes Young Liberal Conference, 9 Jan 1996).  - "Those that give a high priority to environmental issues should feel at home in our party." (Kemp, Speaking Notes Young Liberal Conference, 9 Jan 1996).  LABOR'S POSITION.  The Hawke & Keating Governments have elevated environmental issues to a much higher status than the Fraser Government ever did or the Coalition has since. In the 1987,1990 and 1993 elections, the mainstream Australian conservation movement clearly and publicly preferred Labor’s policies towards the environment over those of the Coalition. The Hawke Government instituted the decade of Landcare, which is by far the largest conservation program ever undertaken in rural Australia. Under this program over $l billion has been committed since 1990. Landcare has brought about a revolution in thinking about the way we manage our land. On the major environmental Issues facing Australia today—the protection of our high conservation value native forests addressing the Greenhouse effect, biodiversity conservation and International cooperation on global environmental issues—the Coalition either has no policy, or has reluctantly come in behind Labor's policies after the event. The Federal Labor Government has taken a leading role in the development of international environment protection initiatives. Australia has lead the way in the: drafting of the Convention on the Protection of Biodiversity; push to protect Antarctica from mining activity; & development & implementation of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that deplete the Ozone Layer. Unlike the Coalition, Labor has guaranteed that there will be an Environment Department. Labor have taken a national approach to national issues unlike the Coalition who favour 8 state-based approaches to national problems.  Comment.  The Fraser Government only tackled easy World Heritage listings, and then refused to guarantee the protection of World Heritage sites once they were listed. This was a clear abrogation of the Commonwealth's international obligations. Under Fraser, the Wet Tropics of Queensland would never have been World Heritage listed, allowing the logging of the Daintree to continue. Extensions to Kakadu National Park (Stages II and III) and the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area would never have occurred. Fraser refused to protect the World Heritage values of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area threatened by the Tasmanian Government's plan to flood the Franklin River. It was the Hawke Labor Government that protected this unique part of the world's heritage for future generations by the enactment of the World Heritage Properties Conservation Act 1983 which was upheld by the High Court. Fraser only imposed a moratorium on mining and drilling in the Great Barrier Reef region in 1980. He did not rule out this sort of exploitation forever, and only declared 5% of the World Heritage area as Marine Park. Only now does Senator Kemp say a Coalition Government wouldn't permit mining or drilling on the Reef. Fraser is only remembered for one hard environmental decision—the cessation of sand mining on Fraser Island. But it was Labor that halted logging on the Island & succeeded in protecting this international asset forever through World Heritage listing in 1992. The environment was not represented in Cabinet under Fraser. The environment has had Cabinet status under Labor since 1987. Most importantly, Senator Kemp is not even in the Shadow Cabinet.  Family Services. OVERVIEW.  LABOR has made child care a priority in government, both in helping families balance their work and family responsibilities and generally in supporting families in their caring role. Under the Federal Labor Government, Australia's childcare system has been recognised as world-class. Labor has overseen great growth in childcare, with spending increasing from $65 million in 198? to more limn $1 billion by next year. The Opposition has historically emphasised supporting families (and women in homemaker roles), rather than issues of equity and the opportunity for parents to work or take up other opportunities. The Coalition has made few specific policy statements on families and childcare, although they have indicated they will target parents at home who care for children. The Federal Labor Government has already introduced the Parenting Allowance to assist parents at home. The Coalition has supported several proposals dealing with parents at home and their position is totally confused. These include income splitting (which would cost billions of dollars), a National Party proposal to make a universal $130 per week payment for women who stay at home, and most recently the Tasmanian National's proposal for a $192,000 payment to families who have three children and do not divorce. The Opposition continues to state that if elected it will address the current "discrimination" against parents who remain at home. This is a fallacy—there is no discrimination. The Coalition's position is reflected in its opposition to the legislation proposing to limit the amount of child care available for non-work related reasons to 12 hours. The Opposition is supporting the current situation where parents at home may use up to 50 hours of subsidised child care to the exclusion of parents who need child care for work-related reasons (i.e. work, study, seeking employment). Around 25% of Childcare Assistance spending is currently used for non-work related reasons, and this figure is growing steadily. The Coalition has made no comment on fee subsidies (Childcare Assistance). On the related subject of the Childcare Cash Rebate, they supported means testing at the 1993 election and have continued to attack the Rebate itself.  Family Services. FAMILIES.  The Coalition's Position.  - Establish a Department of the Family (David Kemp. Sun-Herald, 22.11.94).  - The Coalition will address Labor's current discrimination against parents who choose to remain at home to care for their children." (p1, Liberal Party Speaking/Votes, November 1995).  - Howard: "There are different ways you can tackle that: tax splitting is one way, raising the tax threshold is another, averaging a woman's tax over a period of time covering her child-bearing years. I'm attracted to that very strongly. As far as I am concerned, something along those lines will be part of our policy." (Fin Review—17.2.95).  - "Stay-at-home mothers and working mothers would get the same financial help from the Coalition." (Howard, Tele-Mirror, March 18, 1995).  - However, Howard has said; "We remain strongly committed to the maintenance of affordable child care for families who choose paid child care arrangements." {Fair Australia, 13.10.95).  - This contrasts with other Coalition comments: Lyons Forum (a far-Right Coalition faction of 40 MPs and senators) recommends: "Parental child care can be encouraged by economic means, but this will require a review by the government of its child care policy, so that it understands the arguments against the institutional child cue it currently encourages." (Empowering Australian Families Lyons Forum National Inquiry into Families and the Economy, 1995. p33).  - Bronwyn Bishop (4 AC, Oct 13, 1995): "... It is not the responsibility of the taxpayer to ... pick up the remnants of a family when it breaks up." The National Party supports an Australian Family Association proposal for a universal. 30 payment to women who stay at home (cost $3 billion) as an incentive to keep women out the work force.  LABOR'S POSITION.  The Federal Labor Government recognises that most women will spend some time in the work force and tome time at home with their children, especially when they are young. The Labor Government's policies and programs are designed to assist families in whatever choicer they make.  The Labor Government provides the following direct assistance to families:  - Family Payment: Labor provides more than $12 billion each year in direct assistance to families to assist with the coat of children.  - Childcare Assistance: This helps both working families and families with a parent at home using occasional care with me cost of childcare. At present, 25 per cent of Childcare Assistance goes to families with a parent at home.  - Childcare Cash Rebate: Introduced by Labor in 1994 to recognise that childcare is a legitimate work-related expense. Provides a rebate on childcare costs where both parents or the sole parent are working, studying or looking for work.  - Parenting Allowance: Incorporates the Home ChildCare Allowance (around $32 a week, meams-tested on the carer's income only, not family income). This payment replaces the dependent spouse rebate and provides the spouse at home (usually the mother) with an independent income.  The Federal Labor Government set up the Child Support Agency, but also recognises that women and children sometimes need some assistance.  Labor has also established a network of Family Resource Centres, which provide co-ordinated advice, support and resources to existing local agencies funded by all levels of government to gather data on local services, reduce barriers to accessing information, and provide better dissemination of Information to families In local communities. Funding: $4.5 million.  Comment.  The Opposition has consistently refused to detail any family policies, arguing at different times for income splitting (regressive); the French style of "family unit" taxation (which is backed up by a GST) and tax rebates. The Coalition's criticism of the Childcare Cash Rebate v the Parenting Allowance fails to acknowledge that families with a parent at home receive much more assistance than families where both parents work. In 1995/96, the Parenting Allowance cost more than $2 billion assisting about 700,000 women at home. In contrast, the Childcare Cash Rebate cost $90 million, assisting around 200,000 families. When taking into account the Parenting Allowance plus Additional Family Payment paid to single income families and comparing it to spending on childcare, single-income families receive five times the assistance as two-income families. Unlike the Coalition, Labor does not regard childcare as a welfare measure. The Opposition went to the last election-offering women at home nothing but a promise to have a report done by the Australian Institute of Family Studies (Coalition Child Care Policy, Feb. 1993).  Family Services. CHILD CARE.  The Coalition's Position.  Childcare CASH REBATE.  Coalition went to the last election with a means-tested rebate, refusing to see child care coats as a work-related expense. During debate on the Childcare Rebate Bill, the Opposition voted to means test Labor's rebate.  CHILDCARE ASSISTANCE.  - Coalition voted against the Childcare Legislation Amendment Bill, which would have @ families with a parent at home 12 hours of subsidised care for each child each week.  - The Coalition's stand means it supports families who choose to have a parent at home with their children full-time having access to 50 hours a week of child care at taxpayer expense. This would cost $l.5 billion a year (if these families took up their full entitlement).  LABOR'S POSITION.  The Federal Labor Government Introduced the Childcare Cash Rebate in June 1994, rather than a regressive tax deduction. Thousands of families benefited when the Federal Labor Government extended Childcare Assistance to private centres in 1991. Childcare Assistance is a means-tested payment for families, paid directly to their childcare service to reduce the family's up-front fees. It is worth up to $96 a week for families with one child and $206 for families with two children.  Even with the 12-hour changes. Labor will continue to increase Childcare Assistance funding, with spending to rise to $l billion this year. Labor's changes would free up child care places for 31,000 families, and encourage childcare operators to provide services that meet the needs of working families, while also providing occasional care for families with a parent at home.  Comment.  On Nov 10, 1995, the Courier-Mail reported a Coalition spokesman saying the Coalition "had dropped the means-test proposal". However, this has not been repeated. The Coalition calls for big spending cuts, but when faced with a Budget change that is sensible, fair and fiscally responsible, it voted against the changes, showing its hypocrisy. Families with a parent at home are often charged for full-day use of childcare when they use only a few hours. The Government's changes would have discouraged these discriminatory charging practices against families with a parent at home and would encourage services to open in areas of need.  Family Services. CHILD CARE.  The Coalition's Position.  SUPPLY. "The Coalition believes there remains a need to expand access to child care": Senator Judith Troeth, representing Shadow Minister David Kemp at a child care meeting, Adelaide, July 1, 1995.  LABOR'S POSITION.  Following years of neglect by the previous Coalition Government, the Federal Labor Government has increased access to child care by increasing the number of childcare places, up from 46,000 in 1983 to 278,000 today. Labor has also entered into Joint agreements with the States under the National ChildCare Strategy to provide Jointly funded childcare places. The NCOS began in 1988. Commonwealth target of 354000 childcare places by the year 2001 to meet work-related care demand.  Future commitments (to 1999):  - 40,000 outside school hours care places.  - 8,000 long day care places.  - 12,000 family day care places.  The Prime Minister has set up an EPAC task force to examine the medium to long-term childcare needs of families. EPAC is examining the changing patterns of work and family responsibilities and how childcare can best be provided to meet those needs.  Comment.  While John Howard pays lip-service to the child care needs of working women, the Lyons Forum, a far-Right 40-member faction of the Coalition, implies that providing child care provides an incentive for women to work or study rather than to stay home full-time, and argues against the "institutionalised" child care currently provided to parents.  Family Services. CHILDCARE.  The Coalition's Position.  • John Howard has on a number of occasions said he wants schools to stay open until 5 pm to assist working parents, otherwise the Coalition has no policy on care for school-aged children.  LABOR'S POSITION.  OUTSIDE SCHOOL HOURS CARE. To ensure school children are safe and secure outside school hours when their parents work, the Federal Labor Government has established nearly 70,000 outside school hours care places and will set up another 40,000 by 1999 to meet growing demand. Funding has been increased and support services established. The Federal Labor Government has also established 11 Youth Access Services to provide an extended out-of-school hours care program to young people aged 11-16 living In disadvantaged areas with activities to build self-esteem and confidence. Ongoing funding: $3.4 million.  Family Services. CHILD CARE.  The Coalition's Position.  QUALITY IMPROVEMENT & ACCREDITATION SYSTEM  • "While the Coalition supports the principle of accreditation, in our view it should not be compulsory and there should be a sense of industry ‘ownership' of the quality assurance arrangements":  Senator Judith Troeth, representing Shadow Minister David Kemp at a child care meeting, Adelaide, July 1. 1995.  LABOR'S POSITION.  The Federal Labor Government introduced the Accreditation System, the world's first government-funded and legislated Quality Improvement and Accreditation System.  The system began in January 1994, following the Government's extension of Childcare Assistance to private centres. Ability to provide Childcare Assistance is now linked to the quality of service provided. The system, administered by the National Childcare Accreditation Council which includes child care providers and early childhood experts, has been credited with improving the quality of child care across the country.  Comment.  It has been said of the Accreditation System: "Overwhelmingly, centres believed that they have improved their quality of care for children since participating in [the Accreditation System]." Quote from Evaluation of Quality Improvement and Accreditation System/or Long Day Cafe Centres Coopers and Ly brand Report, June 1995. Yet, the Opposition continues to support the handful of centres still critical of Accreditation. By mid-February, nearly a third of all centres will have received Accreditation.  Family Services. CHILD CARE.  The Coalition's Position.  ASSISTANCE FOR SINGLE MOTHERS.  - Bronwyn Bishop; (4AC. Oct 13, 1995): "... It is not the responsibility of the taxpayer to ... pick up the remnants of a family when it breaks up."  - The Lyons Forum, a faction of 40 Coalition MPs and Senators, has recommended: "A tightening of the social welfare system to remove disincentive to family life and recognise home-makers contribution to the family." (Empowering Australian Families Lyons Forum National Inquiry into Families and the Economy, 1995 p35).  LABOR'S POSITION.  The Federal Labor Government has established the Jobs, Education and Training program (JET) to help single parents who want to move off the pension and into paid work.  JET links childcare with employment and training programs and provides finding for temporary childcare places where needed. Labor has provided increased funding to provide temporary childcare places to ensure childcare is available for sole parents participating in the program.  Comment.  Programs such as JET assist in helping single parents overcome difficulties in juggling work and family responsibilities. The Jobs, Education and Training program is important in encouraging single mothers to re-enter the work force by helping them to develop skills or retrain to enter the work force.  Foreign Affairs. Overview.  LABOR initiatives—regionally, bilaterally and globally—have set a coherent and mature agenda for advancing our foreign affairs and trade interests in the Post Cold War world. Our international standing and our capacity to deliver results for Australia have never been higher. The Coalition has turned its back on a constructive bipartisan approach to external policy. Alexander Downer's contribution has been superficial opportunistic schoolboy sniping, bereft of policy ideas. John Howard's has been to systematically alienate country after country in our region. Tim Fischer's has been to embarrass himself and Australia every tune he opens his mouth. Labor believes that our national prosperity and security are best achieved by major hands-on engagement with our regional neighbourhood; the Coalition still peddles the language of fear, uncertainty and caution about the countries to our north. The Coalition hankers for the old days of Mother England, and the United States as big brother. Labor has looked to the future: we led the way in setting up APEC and tire ASEAN regional security forum; we are building new regional bridges with the Indian Ocean and we have successfully negotiated the historic Australian-Indonesia Security Agreement. Labor in government has a long track record of achievement in the face of Opposition carping and criticism—in Cambodia, in the struggle against apartheid, in protecting Antarctica, and helping set the agenda for UN reform. The Coalition parties say they are committed to Asia, but their only ideas are for 'improved bilateral relations' with Japan, China and South Korea—how they'll improve them they don't say. John Howard's snubbing of key Vietnamese leader Do Muoi will make it impossible for a Coalition government to deal effectively with Vietnam. Alexander Downer has constantly claimed our relationship with Indonesia is in crisis: he was proved humiliatingly wrong with the announcement of the Security Agreement. Each year the Opposition have claimed that the forthcoming APEC meeting will fail to meet its targets: each year they are proved wrong. The Coalition is neither united nor coherent. John Howard promises to do more to preserve the alliance with the United States—a relationship in great shape under the Labor Government. Yet Tun Fischer threatens to close down the joint security facilities if he can't get trade concessions. He lives in the past, unable to correct previous misjudgements and unable to forget old grudges—most recently attacking former US Defence Secretary Robert McNamara for admitting that he was wrong about the Vietnam War. The Government is vigorously pursuing a safer world for future generations. We led the way worldwide in securing the banning of chemical weapons. We are playing a central role in the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty negotiations. And we are now trying to make a credible blueprint for the achievement of a nuclear free world through the establishment of the Canberra Commission on the Elimination of Nuclear Weapons —an initiative which has attracted interest and support all around the world, but one which Tim Fischer has said he would dump at the first opportunity. Who would Australians prefer to be presenting our face to the world—Paul Keating, Gareth Evans and  Bob McMullan, or John Howard, Alexander Downer and Tim Fischer?  Foreign Affairs. BILATERAL RELATIONS.  The Coalition's Position.  - Greater priority will be given to bilateral relations with Asia (John Howard: Fifth Asialink Lecture Sydney, 12 April 1995).  - 'Nothing the Prime Minister has said can alter the fact that thousands of Australians of Vietnamese origin saw the elevated treatment of the Do Muoi visit as inappropriate and potentially divisive.' (John Howard: PR. 29 August 1995).  - Mr Muoi's visit is 'inappropriate, @ and politically divisive' (Alexander Downer: Canberra Firms 29 August 1995).  - Fischer also says lie will not back away from the tough talk and "colourful languages he has used against Australia's trading partners while in opposition. He says that in some instances, Australia has the ability to make genuine threats. With regard to Japan, we are one of their biggest suppliers,' he says. (Tim Fischer 'Coalition Plans Big Trade Shake-Up' Business Review Weekly, p18, 22 January 1996).  LABOR'S POSITION.  Labor has promoted relations with Asia across the board, with emphasis on BOTH regional AND bilateral ties. The latter have been strengthened e.g. with the establishment of Australia-Indonesia Ministerial Forum in 1992. The Australia-PNG Ministerial Forum in 1990, bilateral political commitments have been reinforced with Japan, Singapore and the ROK. Ministerial visits and contacts have been expanded significantly, through a great variety of programs inside and outside the Government. Australia's official presence throughout Asia— both for trade and other purposes—has been greatly expanded.  Comment.  The Coalition has no proposals of any substance whatsoever to put forward. Few Coalition leaders— apart from Tim Fischer—have actually visited Asia themselves to develop personal ties/expertise. The Coalition sees the Government's emphasis on Asia as meaning this occurs at the expense of our interests elsewhere, but there is no evidence produced to support this. The coalition was unable to forget old prejudices when Mr. Howard refused to meet Vietnamese leader Do Muoi. The Coalition seized an opportunity to play to narrow electoral interests at the expense of Australia's national interests in Asia.  Foreign Affairs. HUMAN RIGHTS.  The Coalition's Position.  - "A concern for human rights cannot be pursued in a narrow, legalistic way as an end in itself". John Howard: Asialink Lecture.  - Consistency and balance will be the principles underlying Australia's pursuit of human right"! (John Howard: lnterview, ABC Radio National, 13 April 1995) (Alexander Downer: Speech Amnesty lnternational Forum, 4 April 1995 Adelaide).  - 'Today I met with Vietnam Foreign Minister Nguyen Manh Cam and reaffirmed the importance of human rights in Australia's relationship with Vietnam... The Opposition believes that Vietnam must improve its human rights record ... I told the Foreign Minister that I welcomed the proposal for an Australian Parliamentary delegation to visit Vietnam subject to three significant qualifications. First the delegation must have a genuine human rights role.' (Alexander Downer: Press release, 7 February 1995).  - 'They discussed neither the question of human rights in general as well as the question of human rights in Australia's relationship with Vietnam nor the arrangements relating to the proposed Australian delegation's visit to Vietnam' (Embassy of Vietnam: Press release 17 February 1995).  LABOR'S POSITION.  Labor's record of principled defence on human rights in all circumstances (through bilateral and multilateral channels) without prejudice to other Australian interests is widely recognised inside Australia and abroad. The Labor Government has pressed human rights issues bilaterally and through active participation in the UN Commission on Human Rights, through human rights delegations, and through regional bodies such as the Asean Regional Forum. The Government raises human rights abuses wherever they occur, be they in China, Nigeria, Vietnam, Cambodia, Burma, East Timor, or anywhere else in the world.  Comment.  The Coalition's approach jeopardises Australian interests with countries such as Vietnam because ultimately they see such countries purely in terms of (anti-Communist) ideology. The Coalition would subordinate pursuit of human rights to other interests whenever they feared those interests might be adversely affected. They subordinate general principles by playing to domestic audiences for electoral advantage. The Government has been able to pursue all avenues (e.g. trade and human rights) simultaneously.  Foreign Affairs. REGIONAL & GLOBAL SECURITY.  The Coalition's Position  There are unresolved tensions between the Governments focus on defence partnership with the region versus the region as the source of potential threats. . , ' 'The overwhelming Government priority in regional engagement is toward South East Asia. Yet 11 is in North Asia where lie the most pressing Asia-Pacific security concerns which may have an impact on our region. (John Howard: speech on defence, Australian Defence Association, 5 October 1995).  LABOR'S POSITION.  Labor has successfully encouraged a co-operative approach to regional security, rather than containment of China (resulting in the creation of the ASEAN Regional Forum In 1993).  Negotiated a new security agreement with Indonesia, developed effective new security dialogues with China, Japan and Vietnam: and preserved in good shape Australia's fundamental defence ties with the USA, New Zealand, PNG and the Five Power Defence Arrangements with Singapore and Malaysia.  Comment.  The Coalition's approach is the traditional, military-dominated one, which emphasises threats and "fortress Australia" mind-set and is incapable of pursuing a co-operative approach with emerging countries. They emphasise the sources of tension in the region, but cannot specify how they would "promote closer security links" with North Asia and South East Asia, beyond co-operating with the United States (as they did in Vietnam). "Perhaps, as one commentator observed, Mr. Howard is again out to stoke up a little paranoia about Australia's immediate northern neighbours to buttress his voter support among Australians of European descent... He should know that strutting around like this would only make him open to attack about his credibility if he does gain office... How is he going to deal with South East Asian leaders?' (Singapore Business Times, Editorial, 10 October 1995).  Foreign Affairs. DISARMAMENT.  The Coalition's Position.  - "We can play a significant role in disarmament ...and have a real interest in keeping weapons of mass destruction out of East Asia..." (Alexander Downer: speech to Young Liberals, 8 January 1996).  - "A coalition Governments first step will be to scrap the Governments 'save the world talkfest' on nuclear weapons. (Tim Fischer Sydney Morning Herald, 13 January 1996).  - The constructive proposal is that the Australian Labor Party should totally abandon its absurd support for a nuclear free zone in the South Pacific (John Howard: HoR, 19 March, 1985).  - ‘It will be no secret or surprise to this Parliament for the Liberal and National Parties to say to you, Mr Deputy Speaker, that we share none of the enthusiasm for the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone Treaty to which Australia is an adherent.' (John Howard: HoR, 24 November, 1987).  - I do believe that the Canberra Commission is nothing more than a political stunt. (Alexander Downer: race to Face, Channel 7 19 March, 1985).  LABOR'S POSITION.  Labor's Initiatives on chemical weapons, nuclear non-proliferation, and nuclear testing represent the most significant contribution any Australian Government has ever made towards disarmament in weapons of mass destruction. Australian security, including our interest in a favourable regional strategic environment, has always been the driving force behind these initiatives.  The Government has taken the lead in establishing a body of eminent statesmen, military experts and anti-nuclear activists, the Canberra Commission on the Elimination of Nuclear Weapons, to develop a practical blueprint for achieving a nuclear free world.  Comment.  The Coalition is a very recent convert to disarmament and would not regard it as a priority. In the case of nuclear weapons its conversion is far from complete; Coalition spokesmen still refer to nuclear disarmament as not consistent with US wishes and with the ANZUS Treaty. The Coalition has been embarrassed on the Canberra Commission: Alexander Downer originally, begrudgingly admitted he'd keep it; Tim Fischer later said he'd drop it. They salvaged the discrepancy by claiming both agreed to end the Commission after it had made its report in August 1996—which the Government had announced upon its establishment in November.  Foreign Affairs. ANZUS ALLIANCE.  The Coalition's Position.  - "My Party would encourage the United States to reinforce its commitment to the ANZUS Alliance and to consider positioning more defence resources in Australia..." (Alexander Downer: speech Australian American Association, New York 6 December 1995).  - 'Q. . . . Should we link the bases in Australia to trade?" Fischer ' Not at this stage, but yon can't rule out that blunt-edged weapon… .' (Tim Fischer: interview, SBS, Face the Press, 28 March 1991).  LABOR'S POSITION.  Labor has maintained the US security alliance in good shape, despite New Zealand's unilateral opting out of its alliance with the United States. During President Bush’s December 1991 visit— only the second ever by an incumbent US President—he publicly reaffirmed the Alliance. All the benefits Australia gains from the alliance—security reassurance, policy co-ordination, intelligence sharing, technology access, and industry spin-offs—are as effective as ever, despite the end of the Cold War. Labor has brought the Joint Defence Facilities under effective joint management. Labor has encouraged the United States to consider operations out of Australia, but has not received any expression of US interest in establishing further facilities.  Comment.  The Coalition has to keep reminding itself that having ANZUS does not mean "it is in our interests to support automatically the US Position" (Downer). They accuse the Government of "denigrating" US policy whenever it chooses to differ publicy on a particular issue (which happens relatively rarely anyway). A bipartisan approach is more evident on trade access problems with the United States.  Foreign Affairs. EXTERNAL AFFAIRS POWER.  The Coalition's Position.  - A Coalition will not use the external affairs power to alter the Commonwealth/State balance and will provide for intensive parliament scrutiny of treaties before their signature or ratification. (John Howard: letter to AFR 17 January 1996) (Alexander Downer: Remarks to Young Liberals 8 January 1996).  - "We will establish a Treaties Council as part of the Council of Australian Government" (Alexander Downer: speech at Conference on Australian governance 6 May 1995).  LABOR'S POSITION.  Labor has used the external affairs power selectively so that the Government could address issues such as the environment when they became the subject of more intensive attention globally. Labor has promoted more extensive consultations on such treaties than has ever occurred in the past—and included State and sectoral representatives on delegations as advisers—but has adhered to the unchallenged convention that conclusion of treaties is properly the executive responsibility of the government, not the parliament. Effective mechanisms already exist for formal consultations with the States on treaties before ratification and about their implementation. Labor fully accepts that if treaties create rights and obligations under Australian law they must have Australian Parliamentary approval.  Comment.  In their many years in government, the Coalition did not propose more extensive consultations on treaties. Nor did they then see a special role for the parliament.  Coalition policy seeks to satisfy all the conflicting domestic pressures, would be extremely time consuming and cumbersome, and is basically impractical because it fails to give weight to the ultimate national government responsibility to negotiate and implement treaties.  Foreign Affairs. RELATIONS WITH INDONESIA.  The Coalition's Position.  - Improvement of Australia's relations with Indonesia based on resolution of the East Timor problem (Alexander Downer: ABC Radio 13 December 1995).  - The relationship is in tatters. (Alexander Downer: Sydney Morning Herald. 28 August 1995).  - After 13 years of Federal Labor rule in Australia, that bilateral relationship (with Indonesia) ... those difficulties and that bilateral relationship remain as sharp as they were 13 years ago. (Alexander Downers ‘AM' ABC Radio, 13 December 1995).  LABOR'S POSITION.  Labor has achieved major improvements in relations with Indonesia, with close top-level government-to-government dialogue and wide-ranging formal arrangements, culminating in the December 1995 Agreement on Maintaining Security. Labor's approach has resulted in substantial economic opportunities nor Australia, without detriment to out ability to pursue human rights problems. East Timor, etc. The Government continues to urge Indonesia to implement a policy of reconciliation with East Timor, involving greater say over their own affairs. Increased economic opportunities, and protection of their social, cultural and religious identity. This comment was made barely two days before the Government announced the historic Australia Indonesia Agreement for Maintaining Security—the only agreement of its kind Indonesia has signed.  Comment.  The Coalition's silence on Indonesia—other than the emphasis on problems—underlines their lack of vision for this relationship. They have not sought to spell out policies. Their approach is consistently patronising.  Health and Human Services. OVERVIEW.  THERE are three major issues at stake in the Human Services and Health portfolio:  Medicare, hospital waiting lists and private health insurance. Medicare is one of the Federal Labor Government's most successful initiatives. An estimated 90 per cent of the community are Medicare supporters. Australians support Medicare for three reasons: everyone is covered; it helps low income earners; and it gives value for money. Over more than a decade, the Federal Labor Government has rebuilt the foundation of health care in Australia. Today we have free universal access to quality health care. After years of describing Medicare as a monster and a nightmare, John Howard has now promised to retain Medicare, bulk billing and community rating, but he has not ruled out changes to our health system. Without further elaboration these promises mean little. For example, it is possible to keep bulk billing in name, but lower the rebate to a level at which it is no longer viable for doctors to continue to bulk bill their patients. This is what they did with Medibank under Fraser. It is also unlikely free hospital treatment would survive Howard's "Commission of Audit". The Commission is set to be used as an excuse to introduce co-payments. Reducing hospital waiting lists requires money and it requires effort. But as fast as the Commonwealth increases hospital funds to the states. Liberal state governments rip it out. Money taken out by Liberal governments means less hospital staff, less beds and less operating time and this must mean longer waiting lists. The Carr Labor Government in NSW has demonstrated that when state governments stop ripping money out of the hospital system and start putting it back hospital waiting lists decline. The Commonwealth Government has been working towards the development of uniform wailing list data and national standards so that we are better able to manage our hospital waiting lists. Despite declining private health insurance participation rates, revenue and profitability in the private health industry is very healthy. Every year for the past five, hospital admission rates and activity levels have increased. Labor's private health insurance reforms are designed to increase the level of competition both amongst health insurers and private hospitals. The objective of these reforms is to stabilise cost and premium levels and ensure consumers get a better deal for their dollar. Many funds are now providing more innovative products with a variety of price ranges to suit the individual. Specifically, funds now offer complete hospital cover ending out-of-pocket costs. Liberals are opposed to the contracts, which enable funds to offer complete hospital cover but they don't have an alternative solution to the problem of out-of-pocket expenses.  Health and Human Services. PRIVATE HEALTH INSURANCE.  The Coalition's Position.  - Provide incentives for private health insurance. (Coalition's Announced Policy Commitments— Extracts 7/12/95).  - The Courier Mail reported that the Coalition was "… likely to allow means—tested taxation rebates for private health fund contributions." (Courier Mail, 6//0/95pg3).  - Wooldridge saw "merit in fringe benefit tax exemptions for employers who paid @ part of workers' health insurance." (Age 10/7/95 pg 1).  - The Courier Mail reported that the Coalition was "... considering fringe benefits tax exemptions for employers who provide workers with private health insurance." (Courier Mail, 6/10/95).  - The Age reported that the Coalition was considering "provisions to encourage employers to provide health insurance to employees as part of the enterprise bargaining system." (Age 10/7/95 pg l).  LABOR'S POSITION.  Labor is opposed to tax rebates. They are unaffordable, unfair and inefficient.  Comment.  Tax rebates are expensive. If funding is not found in other portfolios, this promise would require an increase in the Medicare levy. FBT exemptions benefit higher income earners. The cost of these exemption would be funded through spending cuts or higher taxes elsewhere.  Health and Human Services. PRIVATE HEALTH INSURANCE (Continued).  The Coalition's Position.  - "We will make private health insurance more affordable, thereby giving more individuals and families a more genuine choice between staying exclusively with Medicare (which will continue to operate in a totally unchanged way for all Australians) or supplementing it with private insurance." (The Australia I believe In, 15/12/95).  - "Community rating—that it, that the well pay for the sick—should remain, but there is no reason not to weight premiums for risk factors and , -aid lack of claim " (Senator Hen-on, Australian 26/10/94).  - The Australian reported that the Coalition was "considering paying a direct subsidy to private hospitals and increasing the government's contribution to the reinsurance pool." (Australian, 22/9/05 pg3).  - The Age reported that the Coalition was considering "a direct subsidy to health funds, fund subscribers or hospitals for episodes of care, and for day surgery". C-tee 10/7/95 pg l).  - " .. but there should be encouragement for no-claim bonuses on health insurance or premiums related to claims, together with a safety net. There is no valid reason why people should not be able to insure themselves against out-of-pocket expenses."(Senator Herron, Australian, 26/10/96).  LABOR'S POSITION  The Federal Labor has Introduced reforms to private health insurance to make the industry more competitive and give families and individuals more choice and greater value for money. Funds now offer complete hospital cover, ending out-of-pocket costs. Many funds are now providing more innovative products with a variety of price ranges to suit the individual. No direct subsidies are paid to private hospitals or insurers. However, the Federal Government provides indirect subsidies including over $750 million of MBS payments to doctors for treatment of private patients in private hospitals. Private patients in public hospitals are treated at lower rates than private sector ($200/bed day implicit subsidy... about $700m per annum).  Labor has considered a scheme, but it increases premium costs for younger contributors and is therefore a disincentive for young people to take out health insurance.  Comment.  The Opposition's claim that Medicare will remain totally unchanged is not credible. This is just rhetoric to try to neutralise the issue. They need to give specific commitments on specific issues (e.g. what level will the rebate be at) not meaningless general statements. This comment implies a loose interpretation of community rating i e. everyone regardless of risks pays the same premium. Taking into account risk factors is the first step towards risk rating, i e discriminating on the basis of age and illness. Direct subsidies are likely to lead to price increases. This would benefit providers leaving consumers no better off. Health insurance subsidies appeal to (hose who were already covered and add to the windfall profits of private hospitals.  Uncapped out of pocket expenses would lead to significant price, cost and premium inflation.  Health and Human Services. FEDERAL/STATE ARRANGEMENTS.  The Coalition's Position.  - The Financial Review reported that the Coalition would "end cost shining from between state and federal governments." (Financial Review 29/11/95).  - Opposed any blanket handing of health policy and funding to the state governments. Wooldridge's priorities in health were to end the messy relationship in health financing between the Commonwealth and the state governments. (Wooldridge, Canberra Times 1/2/95 pg 3).  - The Federal Government should retain the control it has over health funding and the money should not go straight to the states. (Wooldridge, Herald Sun, 2/2/95 pg 17).  - "Health is a prime example of the kind of overlap where you have bureaucrats at both the state and federal level doing the same thing. That is really unnecessary." (Howard, The Australian Business Review Weekly. April 1995).  LABOR'S POSITION.  Labor In negotiating hospital agreements with the state governments that will substantially reduce cost shifting to the Commonwealth. It is not right for the Federal Government to increase health funding, only to see the conservative state governments rip the extra money out. Labor is finalising new Medicare Agreements with the States. Under the new plan part of Commonwealth funding for public hospitals will be linked to the Stales meeting performance targets for the number of patients they treat, as well as waiting times for elective surgery. Federal Labor has introduced free public hospital care, reformed aged care and disability services and introduced a range of new programs (eg. HTV/AIDS, breast screening and immunisations strategy). Labor believes in partnerships with State Governments  Comment.  Only Labor has the national vision to make sure important programs are put in place, for example, with co-operation from State and Territory governments, the Commonwealth's breast screening program is now one of the most comprehensive population-based screening program in the world. The Fraser government tried to wash its hands of hospital funding and make state governments charge for hospital visits. Howard will do the same. The Coalition would be highly likely to hand over substantial areas of responsibility to the states—in particular hospital funding. State conservative premiers have made it clear this is what they want so they can have a free hand in cutting hospital spending further. For example, since 1992 the Kennett Government has slashed public hospital and health funding by $261 million.  Health and Human Services. AGED CARE.  The Coalition's Position.  - Recognise the needs of people with dementia in residential care (Coalition’s Announced Policy Commitments-Extracts 7/12/95).  - will ensure ". . that special care needs of older people with ambulant dementia in residential facilities are properly recognised in the relevant funding processes." (Howard, ACOSS Speech, 13/10/95).  - "We need to deregulate residential care services to make them more accessible and equitable. The system appears to be unnecessarily complicated with considerable resources being applied to non-productive bureaucratic activities." (Wooldridge, Australian Health and Aged Care Journal. Feb 95 pg83).  - focus more directly on the special care needs of older people (eg dementia) (The Australia I believe in, 15/12/95 pg 41).  LABOR'S POSITION.  The Federal Labor Government committed $31 million over five years in the 1994/95 Budget towards the National Action Plan for Dementia Care which focuses on methods of caring for people with dementia—staff training plays an important part. The Federal Labor Government has agreed that those with high care needs and ambulant dementia need to be classified at a higher level. Labor is ensuring that there will be more flexibility in the system, by enabling aged Australians to live in surroundings of their choice. This occurs through the HACC program, Care packages and residential services. Our focus is on resident's rights and ensuring standards are maintained. Through annual audits our program ensures money for care is spent on care, as it should be.  Comment.  If deregulated this would lead to the industry monitoring itself. It should be remembered that before we set up these 'bureaucratic activities', (like monitoring the standards in nursing homes) the Giles Report (1985) found deplorable cases of neglect such as untreated bed sores, residents left lying in urine soaked beds, and meals 'like pig food'. The Coalition believes in putting profit before care.  Health and Human Services. GENERAL PRACTICE.  The Coalition's Position.  - "Coalition supports the reduction of medical school intakes .. " (Michael Wooldridge, Medical Observers 7/7/95 pg2).  - Universities should cut the number of medical students and existing GPs should be reskilled to allow them to do more work in hospitals. (Wooldridge, Canberra Times, 2/2/95).  - "wants more action on the lack of women doctors in the male-dominated speciality medical colleges" (Michael Wooldridge, The Age. 25/5/95).  - There needs to be a restriction on the number of general practitioners in urban areas and encouragement in rural and remote areas." (Senator Herron, Australian. 26/10/94).  LABOR'S POSITION.  The Federal Labor has a policy to regulate the number of medical practitioners working in Australia. Currently there are too many doctors, particularly in major cities. We have targets for overseas trained medical practitioners and university graduates and programs to relocate doctors to rural and remote communities and have created specialist training positions in rural areas. The Federal Labor Government is committed to ensuring women are represented right across the medical workforce. We have initiated changes with the medical colleges to increase the number of women entering and completing specialist training. The Government has also released a discussion paper on women in the medical workforce, this will form the basis of a series of recommendations.  Comment.  Reskilling doctors to do work in hospitals, is only relevant to country doctors. Labor does provide grants to city GPs relocating and to country doctors wanting to further develop their skills. Due to constitutional limitations it is highly unlikely that the Federal Government could force GPs to practice in areas they did not want to practise in.  Health and Human Services. PREVENTION.  The Coalition's Position.  - We will give a new priority to preventive health programs (The Australia I believe in, 15/12/95).  - Wooldridge supports the Government's anti-tobacco stand but said it was too early to say if he would favour having advertisings at the Melbourne Grand Prix. (Wooldridge, Herald Sun. 2/2/95).  - The Australian reported that "boosting preventative health and medical research programs is also high on the list of priorities." (Australian 22/9/95 pg 3).  - Wooldridge backs a Young Liberal policy, which would let doctors prescribe heroin. The policy attacks the current total prohibition on illegal drugs such as heroin calling it ineffective and counter-productive. Wooldridge believes the Young Libs policy was a "compelling case for taking a harm-reduction approach to drug law reform"(Wooldridge, The Age, 27/6/94).  LABOR'S POSITION.  The Federal Labor Government has a strong record in health prevention, this is demonstrated by a number of programs, eg breast screening, immunisation, HIV/Aids strategies. The Federal Labor will continue to reduce the harm caused by tobacco, alcohol and illicit drugs through comprehensive national action programs. Protecting young people in Labor's first priority. Labor has banned all tobacco advertising except for a few international sporting events. Restrictions at these events have been tightened every year. Labor has initiated an independent review to see whether future advertising at international sporting events such as the Grand Prix is warranted. Labor is committed to providing 2% of health funding for health and medical research by the year 2000. Labor is committed to addressing illicit drug problems through the National Drop Strategy.  Comment.  Australia is a world leader in IIIV/Aids education and prevention programs. Our breast-screening program is now one of the most comprehensive population-based screening programs in the world  Labor has initiated a comprehensive review of prevention and promotion, which will be used to develop a comprehensive health prevention plan. We will publish a strategic plan for public health in Australia. Any call for making heroin legally available should be considered by Commonwealth and State Ministers at the Ministerial Council on Drug Strategy.  Health and Human Services. BULK BILLING.  The Coalition's Position.  - It must be obvious by now that universal bulk-billing, as encouraged by government, has led to a cost blow-out. This is shown by fairly dramatic increases in the past eight years, which has paralleled the increase in the number of general practitioners who bulk-bill their patients. (Senator Herron, Australian, 26/10/94).  - Retain Medicare, bulk billing and community rating (Coalition k Announced Policy Commitments— Extracts 7/12/95).  - Committed to universal bulk billing under Medicare (Wooldridge, Courier Mail. 2/2/95, pg2).  LABOR'S POSITION  Labor encourages doctors to bulk bill. As a result of bulk billing more than 12 million Australians will receive free general practice care this year.  Comment.  Coalition may retain bulk billing, but will probably lower the rebate level (By 1981 Fraser had lowered the rebate to a flat 30 % of the scheduled fee). This provides a disincentive for doctors to bulk bill.  The Coalition has been careful not to make specific and detailed statements of support for bulk billing. If elected to Government the Coalition would have plenty of room to manoeuvre to cut back bulk billing. John Howard's lip service support for Medicare is only recent, and comes after two decades of public condemnation of universal free medical care. In 1987 he described Medicare as "an administrative quagmire; a financial monster; and a human nightmare".  HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES. DISABILITY.  The Coalition's Position.  Not withdraw Commonwealth support for sheltered workshops (Coalition's Announced Policy Commitments—Extracts 7/12/95).  LABOR'S POSITION.  The Federal Labor Government will continue to support business enterprise or sheltered workshop places for those clients who need them. Labor is reforming employment services for people with a disability to promote improved outcomes, fair wages and more flexible services.  Comment.  The major issue in disability services is the perceived shortage of accommodation places, Accommodation is a state responsibility under the Commonwealth State Disability Agreement. However, the Agreement is now being reviewed and Labor will address accommodation needs in the review.  Health and Human Services. MEDICARE.  The Coalition's Position.  - Allow chemists and private health funds to act as Medicare agents (Michael Wooldridge, Herald Sun 30/11/95).  - Retain Medicare, bulk billing and community rating (Coalition k Announced Policy Commitments— Extracts 7/12/95).  LABOR'S POSITION.  Given the very significant cost, security and privacy implications Labor does not support chemists or health fund operators becoming Medicare agents. There are significant privacy implications if chemists or health fund operators became medicare agents, specifically staff not under the control of the HIC would have full on-line access to all medicare enrolment and claims data. It is estimated that this proposal would add many million to the cost of administering Medicare.  Comment.  It is unlikely the privacy commissioner would accept such a proposal.  There are also increased errors in payments and costly post-payment adjustments inevitable when services are processed by agents. The additional expenditure required to enable over 5000 chemists and over 500 additional private health insurer offices join the HIC network, plus set-up costs, agent's fees, infrastructure costs incurred in providing cash advances, reconciling payments and managing agency arrangements, and the cost of providing agencies with reference material, technical support and training.  Health and Human Services. IMMUNISATION.  The Coalition's Position  - Implement a National Immunisation Program (Coalition’s Announced Policy Commitments— Extracts 7/12/95) ".  - "In government we will help co-ordinate with State and Territory Governments, a national immunisation programme which will achieve as close a possible to 100 % immunisation levels as practicable." (Howard. Daybreak ABC radio, 7/6/95).  LABOR'S POSITION.  Since 1993 the Federal Labor Government has committed $80 million to a National Childhood immunisation Program, which provides free vaccines to children, extensive education campaigns for parents and providers of vaccines, and a national childhood immunisation register to better measure immunisation coverage and provide parents with an optional reminder system.  Comment.  The Opposition's promise to establish a national immunisation program is nothing new. The Government first announced its program in the 1993/94 Budget and is working with the suites to achieve this goal.  Health and Human Services. RURAL HEALTH.  The Coalition's Position.  - "We will ensure that in other areas such as housing, health care, education, new technology and government services, people in rural and regional Australia are not disadvantaged and have fair and equitable access." (The Australia I Believe In, 15/12/95 pg 42).  - A differential rebate based on postcodes, for example, should be sufficient to encourage practice in under-doctored areas, provided it is linked with the provision of locums for holidaying and postgraduate study relief. (Senator Herron, Australian. 26/10/94).  LABOR'S POSITION.  The Federal Labor Government provides substantial support and incentives to encourage doctors to relocate and stay in rural areas where there is no doctor. To date the Program has assisted over 200 GPs with training for, and/or relocation to small rural communities in Australia. The program includes locum support, funding to medical schools to encourage medical students to take up a career in rural medicine. The number of Doctors in rural and remote areas has been increasing over the past 10 years. There has been around 40% increase in the number of mil-time equivalent GPs in rural areas and 25% increase in remote areas. Labor opposes a differential rebate based on postcodes. It undermines Medicare's universality and rural patients would pay more.  Comment.  Many factors, aside from financial incentives, influence the decision of doctors to go to, and stay in, rural practice. In fact rural practices can cam substantially more than their city counterparts. Family needs, adequacy of hospital support, community acceptance and professional isolation are all factors that the Commonwealth cannot readily or directly influence. A Differential Rebate based on post code would lead to rural patients paying more, because there would be a higher schedule fee and larger proportion of rural doctors don't bulk bill. Medicare does not pay doctors a salary and postcodes represent too large an area to properly target disadvantaged communities.  See General Practice.  Health and Human Services. CARERS.  The Coalition's position  - "Ensure Carers have ready access to a wide range of flexible respite care options." (Coalition’s Announced Policy Commitments—Extracts 7/12/95).  - "Address a range of existing Federal Government provisions which act as a powerful disincentive against carers, and provide a flexible range of respite care options." (The Australia I believe in, 15/12/95 pg 41).  - "The Coalition will give a high priority to ensuring that carers have ready access to a wide range of flexible care options that are relevant to their specific needs." (Howard, ACCOSS Speech, 13/10/95 pg 17).  LABOR'S POSITION.  The Federal Labor Government has established a range of respite care options with over $145 million being provided in the 1994/95 financial year on respite and support for carers.  Comment.  Encouraged and facilitated the establishment of the Carers' Association and are working with this Association to ensure appropriate recognition for carers.. The Federal Labor Government has also provided Carer's Information kits in a range of languages, for those most vulnerable in the community—those who don't speak English- and is developing a culturally appropriate Carers Information kit for, and in consultation with, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.  Health and Human Services. ABORIGINAL HEALTH.  The Coalition's Position.  - The Sydney Morning Herald reported that the Coalition would ". . . put more emphasis on Aboriginal programs affecting health, housing, and education." (SW/ 18/9/95 pg 35).  - "wants more notion on the worrying spread of sexually transmitted diseases in Aboriginal communities" (Michael Wooldridge, The Age 25/5/95).  - We will promote the processes @ with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and we will implement a more effective program of action to address Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander disadvantage in health care . .. ." (The Australia I believe in. 15/12/95 pg 44).  LABOR'S POSITION.  The Federal Labor Government Is committed to implementing the National Aboriginal Health Strategy and has allocated $526 million over five years from 1995-96 for specific indigenous health care services. Labor Is also committed to making sure mainstream health services better meet the needs of Aboriginal Australia and has embarked on a series of negotiations with state health departments to ensure state governments make the necessary reforms so Aboriginal Australians receive proper health services. The Federal Labor Government initiated and developed a National Strategy for the prevention of HIV/Aids in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities; it is part of Labor’s comprehensive National HIV/Aids Strategy. The Federal Labor Government is also working with community organisations to develop a National Indigenous Sexual Health Action Plan.  Comment.  The Government is concerned about the possibility of a major outbreak of III V infection among Aboriginal and Islander people and will continue to work with ATSI communities and State Governments to develop culturally sensitive programs to minimise the spread of HIV in our indigenous communities.  Health and Human Services. MENTAL HEALTH.  The Coalition's Position.  There are a number of areas where immediate and relatively inexpensive action can be taken to reduce the impact of mental illness. This includes ensuring that there is a clear division of responsibilities between Commonwealth and the States, and improving GPs' knowledge and appreciation of mental illness, (Howard, ACOSS Speech,} 3/10/95 pg 16).  LABOR'S POSITION.  Labor will continue the National Mental Health Strategy which will lead to significant reforms in services for people with a mental illness and address negative community attitudes.  Housing & Regional Development. OVERVIEW.  IN THE Prime Minister's Community and Nation statement in December 1995 the Federal Labor Government outlined a coherent agenda for the advancement of our cities, (lie development of our regions and the delivery of affordable housing to all Australians. Labor is directly involved in the development of Australia's cities and regions because it is committed to improving economic efficiency, providing greater equity and improving the environment in which we live. Only the Federal Labor Government can take a genuinely national perspective and ensure that investments are made in our cities and our regions that will guarantee the greatest benefit to the nation as a whole.  Through the Federal Labor Government's Better Cities Program, $2.3 billion has been invested by governments to help create the kind of dynamic and sustainable communities we need. Better Cities is improving the links between our major economic centres and our ports and airports. It is ensuring that areas of high population growth such as Brisbane to the Gold Coast have the services, transport and amenities they need. It is upgrading our inner cities, especially our older housing estates to provide a better mix of accommodation, which is linked to employment, services, amenities and transport. The economic and social benefits of Better Cities are clear to anyone who lives or does business in a neighbourhood covered by the program. In contrast the Coalition has a track record of attacking the Better Cities program, and asserting that these areas are best left to State Governments. Recently, the Coalition has opportunistically claimed that it will fund projects it thinks are "worthwhile" without making any specific commitments. Through regional development the Federal Labor Government has forged active partnerships with 42 regions through Regional Development Organisations around Australia. Labor has supported these Organisations to bring about effective regional economic development Labor's approach to regional development is from the ground up. Labor believes flat by working with the vision, leadership and economic capacity of our regional communities Australia will continue to increase our international competitiveness. This includes industry, local government, education and training organisations, community groups and the trade union movement.  The Coalition has denigrated the role and work of these regional organisations and ignored the outstanding results they are now producing across Australia. Instead of producing constructive proposals, the Coalition has indicated that "prior to the election we would be announcing a list of long term visionary projects which would need to be investigated and prioritised by an Infrastructure Planning and Priority Council. This gives us the flexibility of announcing a lot of major long term visionary matters without committing ourselves to actually proceeding with them". Coalition Cabinet document prepared by Senator Ian Macdonald. In contrast, the Federal Labor Government is committing real resources to the future of regional Australia. Labor has developed constructive partnerships with local government. Through the National Accord with local government (lie Federal Labor Government is committed to increased financial assistance as well as Constitutional recognition. The Accord means a Federal Labor Government will introduce reforms with local government, which will benefit the Australian community. In contrast the Coalition has no commitment to this Accord.  Under Labor Australia has achieved one of the highest levels of home ownership in the world at around 70%. These levels are higher than in other nations like the United States, the U.K., Denmark and Germany, To maintain these levels Labor is introducing reforms to the housing and urban development industry which will assist it to operate more effectively on a national and international scale. Federal Labor Government has committed over S 1 billion a year for public housing under the Commonwealth Slate Housing Agreement. In contrast the Coalition has been completely silent as to its commitments. However, their Fightback policy would have slashed public housing funds to the States by $400 million a year, forcing the States to sell down their public housing stock and increase rents for public housing tenants. In Community and Nation Labor committed itself to taking full responsibility for income support and housing affordability for all low income renters. This will result in significant increases in rent assistance for over 500,000 private renters. This will bring down the cost of renting and provide a wider choice of housing close to services and areas of employment growth. It will also cut public housing waiting lists. The Federal Labor Government will also guarantee rent subsidies for all public renters. In contrast, the Coalition has vehemently opposed every increase in social security payments introduced by Labor, including the Additional Family Payment. Whilst the Coalition remains silent on what it would do to improve housing affordability, their record shows that people on low incomes can expect to see their housing assistance severely cut. The Coalition has made no commitments at all to home owners or renters. The Federal Labor Government has a proven track record of commitment to housing affordability and improving Australia's cities and regions whilst from the Coalition the silence has been deafening,  Immigration and Ethnic Affairs. OVERVIEW.  AUSTRALIA is building a tolerant, rnulticultural society. Our cultural diversity is now our greatest national asset. It did not happen by chance, nor can we take it for granted.  The Federal Labor Government's inclusive approach to social justice and citizenship means everyone can participate fully in Australian life. The annual Migration Program continues to balance Australia's economic need for business and skilled migration with the social imperatives of family reunion. It also meets Australia's international obligations to offer humanitarian resettlement to people who are forced to flee persecution in their homelands. Australia is resettling more refugees per capita than any other country in the world. To encourage social, artistic and business contact with the rest of the world visa-processing systems have been reformed and a new, client-based approach to temporary migration has been introduced. The Department of Immigration and Ethnic Affairs has undergone comprehensive restructuring.  - The Federal Labor Government's immigration policy meets long-term social, humanitarian and economic needs. It has also imposed tighter controls on illegal immigrants, reducing over-stay by 30 per cent.  - Citizenship is now offered to all eligible residents after two years and a major campaign is encouraging these people to take up citizenship.  - Community projects under the Community Relations Agenda are improving cultural harmony with the emphasis on youth, the media, the police, the legal profession and local government.  - The Federal Labor Government spends $ 155 million annually for English training for migrants.  Cultural diversity is one of Australia's great strengths. The Federal Labor Government is determined to ensure that multiculturalism works successfully for the benefit of all Australians. Labor's multicultural policies are based on the three core principles of Cultural Identity, Social Justice and Productive Diversity. The basic statement of the Federal Labor Government's multicultural policy is to be expressed in a Multicultural Compact. The Compact is a clear statement of the balance of rights and obligations between individuals and the community in a multicultural society. The Coalition has been largely silent on the issues to do with migration and ethnic affairs. For example, at times the Coalition has claimed it has wanted the migration program to concentrate on economic categories, skilled migrants and business migrants. However, the Coalition has not understood that a successful migration program is impossible if the type of migrant they say they want is barred from bringing his/her family to Australia. For example, Howard has said "It makes a hell of a lot more sense to be cutting it [immigration) in other areas such as family reunion." (John Howard, Transcript of Interview with Pro Coward, ABC Daybreak, 1 May 1991]. It goes without saying that the policy is also cruel to those with close family overseas. The Coalition is still on the record as wanting to extend the qualifying period before migrants are eligible for social security benefits. There is simply no need for cruel and punitive action to be taken against new arrivals trying to make a go of it in their new home. The Coalition's latest (1993) policy would also make citizenship harder to attain, for example, with residency requirements before grant of citizenship were to be extended from 2 to 4 years. The Coalition has not renounced that policy. Citizenship is a common bond that unites all Australians. Our policy is to encourage migrants to make a free choice to become Australian citizens without laving to renounce their past, and our citizenship rules and ceremonies reflect this. Labor is keen for all eligible migrants to choose to become Australian citizens. Citizenship should not be treated as an exclusive club requiring high barriers against entry. Citizenship needs to be readily attainable by those who wish to make their commitment to our nation, our democracy, laws and ideals. Overall the Coalition has not been comfortable with the whole notion of a multicultural society. It seems 10 sit awkwardly with their dog-cat-dog philosophies. As recently as 23 January 1996 Howard misrepresented aspects of Labor's Multicultural Compact, describing it as 'divisive' He told John Laws, "I think the Government often gets an unrepresentative steer about the views of people of a non-English speaking background, I think some of those people . . . parrot the views of Government, rather than the views of the people they are meant to represent." (Radio 2UE, 23 January 1996). The reason ethnic communities overwhelmingly support (lie Federal Labor Government is simply that it listens to and understands their views and aspirations to be full participants in Australian life.  Immigration and Ethnic Affairs. MULTICULTURALISM.  The Coalition's Position.  John Howard has not repudiated his earlier views on multiculturalism. He is still on the record as saying:  - "I'm afraid (hat multiculturalism ... has gone off the rails. It is encouraging political and cultural separatism. That is a bad thing and not a good thing." (Transcript of interview of the Hon John I toward MP, Leader of the Opposition, John Laws 'Program, Radio 2UE. 2 Aug 1988).  - "multiculturalism ... is based on @ notion that Australia should strive to avoid the development of a dominant and distinctive culture " (John Howard, The Sunday Telegraph, 17 March 1991).  LABOR'S POSITION.  The centrepiece of the Government's plan for a Multicultural Australia in the 21st Century, 'Our Nation', is a Multicultural Compact, which provides a clear, simple statement of the balance of rights and obligations between individuals and the community in a multicultural society.  The first principals of the compact are to share an overriding loyalty to Australia, its interests and future, to accept the baste structures and principals of Australian society, and to acknowledge that the right to express one's own culture and beliefs involves a reciprocal responsibility to accept the right of others to express their views and values.  In return, all Australians can expect equality of access, opportunity and participation in society, institutions, which reflect our cultural diversity, recognition of everyone's potential, and opportunities to learn English and other languages.  Building on the achievements of the National Agenda for a Multicultural Australia In 1989, Our Nation commits the Government to:  - strategies for youth and elderly people of non-English speaking backgrounds.  - strategies to combat racism at school and In sport, as well as criminal sanctions against acts of racial hatred.  - comprehensive policies addressing relations between Indigenous and immigrant Australians, the Impact of technology on cultural diversity, cultural diversity In the media, better representation on government bodies and advisory boards, and better recognition of overseas skills.  Comment.  John Howard IMS refused to detail his immigration and ethnic affairs policies. He condemns the Government's policies as 'patronising, confusing and possibly divisive', and referred to ethnic communities as part of the 'new elite', yet he has none of his own. John Howard has always opposed the Government's Racial Hatred legislation, and has been silent on issues of race, letting racist comments against prominent Australians like Cathy Freeman and Nicky Winmar go unchallenged. The only tangible indication the Opposition has given of its plans for settlement is the distribution to 600 community groups of a research paper proposing a discriminatory migration program, and extreme punitive measures against migrants still learning English, like fining employers who give them a job, sacking migrants rather than having them learn English on the job, and denying them employment assistance and essential multilingual information about Employment programs until they are fluent in the common language. The Opposition has indicated it would merge the Department of Immigration and Ethnic Affairs with the Department of Employment, Education and Training, in keeping with its approach to immigration and cultural diversity not as a plus for Australia, but as an economic burden.  Industry, Science and Technology. OVERVIEW.  KEY ISSUES are (general thrust of industry policy for the 1990s, RAD funding and support for science. During its term the Labor Government has centred its industry policy around internationalisation—removing protection to open the economy up to international competition, encouraging international competitiveness by delivering microeconomic reform and promoting best practice, and fostering an export culture. A stronger and more competitive economy means a more secure future and new and better jobs for Australians. In UK 1990s, the Government has taken the next steps to ensure we continue to build competitive firms and create jobs for the future. It targets the elements critical for success in the global marketplace: innovation, technology uptake, business improvement, access to finance and skills development. And it has made access to Government assistance programs easier by establishing Auslndustry, to provide a 'one stop shop' for the referral of business improvement services. This was embodied in the industry parts of Working Nation, and in the Innovate Australia Statement last December. The Opposition, on the other hand, has remained caught in the old tariff policy debate of the 1970s, to the extent that it has focused on industry policy at all. Nevertheless, the most recent Coalition statements on tariff policy now support the Government's approach. They seem to think of Australia's economic future as competing with low-wage countries. Labor wants high-skill, high-tech industries for our future and is doing things to achieve this. In terms of R&D support, the Coalition has basically talked only in general terms about things the Labor Government is already specifically doing such as encouraging greater private sector investment in RAD, raising community awareness of science and technology, encouraging commercialisation of publicly funded research, and ensuring maintenance of research effort in agencies such as CSIRO. The Government has increased the level of funding for CSIRO by new 3 year funding arrangements and by encouraging non-Government funding, which is in line with encouraging greater business/science links and greater focus on applied and commercial research activity. In contrast, the Coalition has promised further increases in direct Government funding without indicating what they will cut to fund it,  The Government has strongly supported information technology industries—most recently by extending the computer bounty till 2000—whereas the Coalition has created uncertainty about what, if any, support they propose. They originally proposed to abolish the computer bounty.  Lack of Coalition attention to industry policy indicates that it is not fair @ about promoting and facilitating the development of Australian industry, They have no real understanding of the role of Government in promoting business networking, encouraging broadly based innovation and facilitating development of competitive industries,  Industry, Science and Technology.  The Coalition's Position.  Implement measures to encourage industry, particularly small and medium enterprises, to invest more in research and development.' (P20 Confidential Speakers Notes produced by the Liberal Party Nov 1995)  LABOR'S POSITION.  The Federal Labor Government has implemented an extensive array of initiatives to encourage R&D investment. It has:  - introduced and confirmed the 150% R&D tax concession as a permanent part of the Government's industry policy.  - introduced concessional loans for R&D.  - continued R&O grants.  - established the Co-operative Research Centres (CRC) program which partners public and private sector research. (When fully operational there will be 67 CRCs supported by $l billion of Government funding. The program has already generated a further $400 million of private sector funding).  - unproved access to finance including for R&D.  - added a new element of R&D syndication focused on SMEs.  - enhanced awareness activities, including publication of an R&D Scoreboard for firms.  - introduced a program to link CSIRO with SMES.  Industry, Science and Technology.  The Coalition's Position.  - 'Encourage appropriate commercialisation of public sector research ' (P20 Confidential Speakers Notes produced by the Liberal Party Nov 1995).  - 'Ensuring the maintenance of a world-class basic research effort in universities and agencies such as CSIRO.' (P20 Confidential Speakers Notes produced by the Liberal Party Nov 1995).  ‘… raise community awareness of the importance of science and technology to our economic future.'  (P20 Confidential Speakers Holes produced by the Liberal Party Nov 1995).  LABOR'S POSITION.  This is something the Federal Labor Government is already doing.  - for example in Innovate Australia last December, the Labor Government introduced a commercialisation service to provide public sector researchers with access to high quality commercialisation skills and expert advice, and a Business Spin-off Program to encourage the establishment of new technology companies as spin-offs from public lector research. The requirement for 30% external funding for public science agencies and the establishment of CRCs have also enhanced commercialisation of research by linking to industry users. Enhanced access to finance and education and awareness raising activities focusing on enterprise as well as science, will also encourage greater commercialisation activity from the public sector.  - Most universities have—or are developing— commercialisation arms and some are developing business Incubators with Federal support.  The Government is already doing this.  - The Commonwealth spends $3.6 billion a year on public sector research (basic and applied). Australia is now ranked 4th In the OECD for expenditure on public sector research. (Business spends a lot less and needs to spend more). Funding through the Australian Research Council was $355 mil-lion in 1995-96.  - We announced seven new Major National Research Facilities—in biotechnology, seismic Imaging, airborne environmental monitoring, astronomy, high energy fusion and high-beam molecular research—In Innovate Australia In December 1995. And five new Co-operative Research Centres, bringing the total number of CRCs to 67 with Sl billion Invested by the Government over the life of the program.  The S550 million Innovate Australia package is designed to leverage increasing amounts of money from business for research science.  Federal Labor has been achieving this.  - The Labor Government introduced a Science and Technology Awareness program and recently expanded it in Innovate Australia with the establishment of the Innovation Culture Program ($12M). A committee of leading Australian science communicators advises the Government on the program. In the past twelve months print media focus on science, technology and innovation has increased by more than 60% partly as a result of the Government's specific focus on bringing science and technology issues to the attention of the broader community.  Industry, Science and Technology  The Coalition's Position.  - 'improving funding for Government research agencies ... by retaining CSlRO's existing appropriation and restoring recent Budget 'cuts' of $20 million per annum for the triennium.' Robert Hill, Opposition Science Spokesman, P255 Science Update. October 1995.  - ' I recognise a real concern about the run-down of basic research and infrastructure in universities and CSIRO, A strong case can be made for more Government funding.' Robert Hill, Opposition Science Spokesman, p10, The Canberra Times, 21 March 1995.  LABOR'S POSITION.  Federal Labor has increased expenditure on public sector research by 67% in real terms over the last decade. Federal Labor has Introduced 3-ycar funding arrangements for CSIRO (and other science agencies) to provide funding certainly around which it can plan its research. Base level funding to the science agencies has been increased by about $30 million per year, most to CSIRO— once again providing greater certainty of funding. In fact, the Government has introduced innovative opportunities for external funding for CSIRO which has increased CSIRO's research funding by 23% over the last decade.  Comment.  A decrease in CSIRO funding of $20 million in 1994-95 related to the cessation of one-off funding provided by the Government in the previous triennium for specific infrastructure improvements.  Industry, Science and Technology.  The Coalition's Position.  - 'continuation of the current schedule for tariff reductions but in a context of reduced business costs in Australia and effective anti-dumping safeguards.' P 34—The Australia I Believe In, Howard. December 1995.  - 'I will also emphasise the Coalition's commitment to a low tariff regime, whilst stressing that low tariffs mast he matched by lower business costs...'We know that reduced tariffs increase the incentive of business to improve efficiency. But industry must have the ability to implement changes in work practices and other reforms ' P 1 & 10— 'A Competitive Australia', address by John Howard, 18 July 1995.  - 'The Federal Coalition will support the Government's proposed amendments' (to the computer bounty) Joint Statement, Robert Hill & John Moore, 28 November 1995.  LABOR'S POSITION.  Federal Labor is doing this.  - Many business costs where the Federal Government has responsibility such as telecommunications and transport have fallen. The States have been slower in reform.  - Comprehensive implementation of competition policy will reduce more costs.  - Australia is at least 40% more competitive than a decade ago, and taxation rates are lower than they were under the previous Coalition Government.  The Government has set the computer bounty at 8% until 31 December 1996, then at 5% until 2000.  Comment.  The Coalition has demonstrated considerable confusion and debate on this issue within its own ranks whereas for the Government the industry policy debate has well and truly moved on to the 1990's and beyond, focusing on innovation and ensuring competitive positioning to take advantage of international opportunities Labor's policies target innovation, technology uptake, business improvement, access to finance, and skills development as the things critical to success in the global marketplace. Australia already has probably, the world's most effective anti-dumping measures. The Coalition was pressured by industry to support the Government computer bounty legislation last December In a leaked document 'Draft Framework Policy—Science & Technology' m late 1995, the Opposition proposed to fund their S&T policies through the abolition of the computer bounty.  Industry, Science and Technology  The Coalition's Position.  "A Coalition Government will:  - examine ways of enhancing access to commercial sources of finance by export business.'  Coalition Trade Policy Statement, 12 January 1996.  A Coalition Government will:  - encourage greater investment in manufacturing, high technology, value adding, and service industries including the location in Australia of regional headquarters for multinational business operations.'  Coalition Trade Policy Statement l2Jcnuary 1996.  LABOR'S POSITION.  The Government has active policies to increase access to export finance:  - The Government through Its Export Finance and Insurance Corporation (EFIC) supports exports of $6 billion per year, mostly small and medium size (SME) businesses.  - Recent EFIC product innovations have helped exporters gain commercial finance through the use of EFIC guarantees.  - In Working Nation, working capital guarantees were introduced to allow exporters easier access to working capital through their banks for export projects.  - In Innovate Australia, the Prime Minister announced that EFIC will now develop with me banks a new guarantee facility to increase the export finance available through banks by using EFIC guarantees. This new service means that exporters will have access to medium term (5 years plus) finance at internationally competitive rates, born through EFIC directly or through the banking system with EFIC providing a guarantee to the bank.  - In Working Nation, the Government introduced an $11 million 'Access to Export Finance' scheme which meets part of the costs for small exporters to obtain professional advice on how to secure commercial export finance.  - Extensive Government programs also exist to assist SMEs to access finance generally— including through the Business Equity Information Service, initiatives to improve the business assessment skills of business managers and capital providers, and programs to encourage SMEs to seek expert advice in obtaining commercial finance.  This is central to Federal Labor's industry policies. Labor has very active and successful programs to do this—including the Investment Promotion and Facilitation Program, the Major Projects Facilitation Program, the Partnerships for Development Program (for information technology industries), the Factor (f) Program (pharmaceuticals), a range of sector specific measures and the Regional Headquarters (RHQ) Program.  — The Investment Facilitation Program has assisted projects worth around $3.5 billion (1M7-95).  — Major projects worth more than S7 billion are currently being assisted.  The Partnerships for Development Program provides Government support for information technology companies. Since its creation in 1988, some Sl4 billion in exports, R&D expenditure and technology transfer to Australian companies has been generated. Agreements worth $3.2 billion were signed in 1995, creating 3,168 new jobs.  - Factor (f) has secured around $800 million in additional investment (1988-99). Restructuring through Government Plans of industries like automotive, steel and TCP has given these industries a future.  - Over $2 billion in new Investment In the auto Industry has occurred over the past year.  - Investment under the TCF Plan has been over $2 billion since 1988. Exports of TCF products are now worth $600 million a year and should reach $2 billion by the year 2000.  - Australia's steel industry—which was on the verge of closing in 1983—is now among the world's most efficient Exports have trebled. Some $6 billion in new investment, mostly in new technology, has occurred since the Plan, with $2 billion additional investment underway at present.  Comment.  $60 million has gone to the Australian. Technology Group (ATG) and concessional loans for commercialising Australian research to build new technology-based export industries.  Industry, Science and Technology.  On RHQs, Labor has special tax and other policies to attract overseas companies to establish regional headquarters. Since Labor's RHQ Program began in 1993, 97 new RHQs have been established worth $1.63 billion in investment and creating at least 9,130 new Jobs. Our program was last year awarded an international prize as the beat such program in the world.  Industrial Relations. OVERVIEW.  THE difference between Labor and the Coalition over industrial relations is like chalk and cheese. Labor is committed to ensure that all workers, irrespective of award or union coverage or the type of employer, are entitled to basic protections in the workplace; equal pay for work of equal value with the independent umpire, the Australian Industrial Relations Commission ("AIRC") determining minimum wages, minimum termination and redundancy entitlements, protection from unfair dismissal, parental and family leave entitlements and the right to strike. Workers covered by awards are entitled to a comprehensive award safety net which underpins enterprise bargaining Enterprise bargaining under Labor is all about upward flexibility not downward as under the Coalition. The Coalition propose a handful of community standards, which provide far fewer entitlements than existing industrial awards. Workers changing jobs, accepting promotions or entering the labour market will be offered these and nothing more. Workers currently protected by awards will be pressured to accept the Coalition's Workplace. Agreements and give up their award protections. The Coalition will not recognise the four ILO minimum conditions:  - Equal pay for work of equal value and the right to have the AIRC determine minimum wages.  - Protection from unfair dismissal and minimum termination and redundancy entitlements.  - Parental and family leave entitlements.  - The right to strike.  Thus leaving award free workers and those who don't work for constitutional corporations without even these basic protections. Labor ensures that enterprise bargaining agreements are subject to open, independent scrutiny. The Coalition propose an Employment Advocate, not the independent AIRC, as the repository of workplace agreements. The Employment Advocate will not examine Workplace Agreements to ensure compliance with the Coalition's community standards. Nor will unions have the right to be heard over such agreements. Disputes over agreements will be heard by common law courts not the AIRC. Labor guarantees that the AIRC and the Industrial Relations Court—independent effective umpires— institutions that protect Australian workers will remain. The Coalition claim that unions and the AIRC have a role in the Australian economy. In reality, the Coalition fear and loathe unions. Their policy is directed to dividing and weakening the strength of unions through litigation before the state courts, abolition of union coverage and allowing high priced lawyers and consultants to represent workers. The AIRC will effectively be sidelined and denied any role in scrutinising agreements and settling disputes. The Coalition will see a return using the state courts to quash industrial action and to punish unions. They will abolish the Industrial Relations Court, give jurisdiction over the former sections 45D and E of the Trade Practices Act back to the common law courts and abolish the 72 hour cooling off period before which permission to sue a union and its members can be given. Protection against unfair dismissal will be removed by the Coalition. John Howard will use his Productivity Commission as a device to slash workers' wages and conditions. (See Treasury and Finance).  Industrial Relations. PORTFOLIO.  The Coalition's Position.  Workplace Agreements will be required to meet the Col lowing community standards.  - Take home pay must be no less than that prescribed under the award. This will include ordinary lime earnings, overtime penalty rates and leave loadings.  - A minimum casual rate specified under the award.  - A minimum piece rate.  - Four weeks paid annual leave, cumulative and pro-rata.  - Two weeks paid sick leave per annum,. cumulative and pro-rata.  - Twelve months unpaid parental leave after 12 months continuous service.  - Equal pay for work of equal value.  - Jury leave.  - Family leave, compassionate and bereavement leave as specified in relevant award.  - Long service leave and superannuation prescribed by the award (p6&7). (John Howard, speech to 28th Young Liberals Convention, Canberra, 8/1/96).  LABOR'S POSITION.  Comprehensive award safety net system applying to all workers including;  - minimum weekly wage rates.  - Overtime.  - shift allowances and penalty rates.  - tool and meal allowances.  - loadings for causal workers.  - 4 weeks annual leave and leave loading.  - parental leave at test case standards.  - family leave.  - cumulative sick leave.  - bereavement and compassionate leave.  - jury leave.  - 38 hour week.  - Redundancy and Termination pay.  - Superannuation.  - Public holidays.  - Union right of entry.  - Dispute settlement procedures.  - Equal pay.  - Mode of employment.  Industry appropriate standards, which will vary from industry to Industry.  FLO Minimum protections applying to all workers Irrespective of award coverage;  - Equal pay for work of equal value and the right to have the AIRC determine minimum wages.  - Protection from unfair dismissal and minimum termination and redundancy entitlements.  - Parental and family leave entitlements.  - The right to strike.  Comment.  The Coalition will allow workers performing similar or identical work to receive differing wages and conditions. Application of the Coalition's community standards will see, for workers currently covered by awards, the eventual erosion of their award and industry based conditions. Workers changing jobs, accepting promotions or entering the labour market will be limited to the Coalition's community standards. The Coalition will reject the four ILO minimum conditions, which guarantee all workers irrespective of award coverage and union membership basic protections. Workers with the most to lose under rejection of the ILO conventions are those who are award-free and those not employed by corporations.  The Coalition's Position.  - "Employees will have the choice of entering into workplace agreements either individually or collectively. "(p8) "All workplace agreements will be filed with the Employment Advocate. "(p7) This new approach will remove the existing complex and bureaucratic system of pre-agreement certification by the A1RC and will deny the unions the right to intervene in workplaces where they are not invited, (p7) (John Howard, speech to 2Bfh Young Liberal Convention, Canberra, 8/1/96).  - "A Coalition Government will appoint an Employment Advocate". "The Employment Advocate will assist job applicants, employees and employers (particularly small business)", (p7) (John Howard. speech to 2Bth Young Liberal Convention, Canberra, 8/1/96).  - "…including safety net increases for lowest paid.." (John Howard, The Australia I believe In. 1995).  - "We are committed to getting rid of Labor's stupid unfair dismissal law. We will replace is with balanced laws (hat are fair to both sides" (p8)  (John Howard, Leader of the Opposition, Speech to the NFF, Canberra. 21/11/9S)  LABOR'S POSITION.  Enterprise bargaining leading to collective as opposed to individual agreements, underpinned by the award safety net, public application of the "no disadvantage test", unions able to intervene in open and public proceedings and appeal against AIRC decisions.  Support independent AIRC and IR Court to determine differences over employment arrangements in a speedy cost efficient manner  AIRC to retain power to award safety net increases for those unable to access wage increases through enterprise bargaining and Government support for safety net increases as per Accord  Retain current unfair dismissal laws and maintain the Jurisdiction of the Court.  Comment.  Under the Coalition non union agreements will not be subject to any independent scrutiny. Enforcement of all agreements will be through the common law courts with their delays and reliance on contract law principles rather than industrial law.  The Employment Advocate will not have any teeth. It lacks the power to arbitrate. Workers with grievances about employment conditions will be left to pursue these grievances through the common law courts.  The Opposition has provided no detail on how the AIRC will award such increases. Under their proposal workers who are not "the lowest paid" and who fail to negotiate agreements, for whatever reason, will suffer a wage freeze.  The Coalition's rejection of ILO protections will mean both award free employees and those who don't work for corporations are denied protection against unfair dismissal.  The Coalition's Position.  - "We are going to restore the role, the authority of the ordinary courts. We are going to bring back the secondary boycott provisions of the Trade Practices Act "(pg 3) (John Howard, Leader of the Opposition, A competitive Australia, Melbourne, 18/7/95).  - "We will put the Industrial court back into the Fedcral Court system. There is no need to have the expense of a separate industrial court." (pl4) (John Howard, A competitive Australia, Melbourne. 18/7/95).  - "We will remove the unions' legislative monopoly ..." (John Howard, Address in reply to the 1995^6 Federal Budget, Canberra, 11/5/95).  LABOR'S POSITION.  Maintain Jurisdiction of the AIRC and the Court.  Maintain industrial relations legislation where the AIRC determines coverage and the AIRC and Court determine demarcation and membership disputes.  Comment.  State courts will regain jurisdiction over industrial dispute litigation. The 72 hour cooling off period before permission to sue can be given allowing for negotiation and resolution of a dispute under the auspices of the AIRC, the specialist tribunal, will be abolished.  The specialist jurisdiction of the Court will be lost, inexperienced judges unfamiliar with the context of industrial disputes will hear and determine industrial law cases.  The Coalition favours the fragmentation of union coverage and the consequent weakening of union involvement. This will see high priced lawyers and consultants move into the industrial arena. Workers of course will not be able to afford them.  Development Cooperation and Pacific Island Affairs. Overview.  PUBLISHED comments by the Coalition on this portfolio suggest that their policy will amount to little more than changes of emphasis in the way aid is distributed. There is, so far, a lack of any detail. Australia has increased its aid expenditure in real terms in the last six budgets. The weighted average for all OECD Development Assistance Committee countries is 0.29% of GNP; Australia's aid budget in 1994-95 was 0.34% of GNP. By increasing our aid expenditure Australia has gone against the international trend which has seen aid from OECD countries decline in real terms in the last two years. The Coalition has not given any commitment as to the level of funding it would provide. The Coalition's position on aid is confused. Downer has sought to give the false impression that the aid program concentrates on large infrastructure projects such as the Friendship Bridge over the Mekong River between Thailand and Laos and aid/trade linkages, implying that it no longer helps the poor. This allows him to suggest that he would restore the proper purpose of the aid program, which is poverty alleviation, relying on small scale projects and supporting non--government aid agencies (NGO's). However Tim Fisher in his trade statement on 12 January supported the aid/trade link and suggested that a coalition government would offer greater opportunities to business to participate in the aid program, suggesting that there are no real differences between government and opposition.  Lastly Downer in a speech last year proposed linking aid more closely to human rights which caused a falling out with Howard and Fisher so that either may be off the agenda or so watered down as to be merely platitudinous.  Development Cooperation and Pacific Island Affairs. LARGE AID PROJECTS.  The Coalition's Position.  "…white elephant projects such as the multi-million dollar My Thuan Bridge (in Vietnam] . . . stop building monuments abroad and concentrate on grass roots development." (Downer, Media Release, 29 March 1995).  LABOR'S POSITION.  The fundamental purpose of Australians aid program is the alleviation of poverty through the sustainable development of our aid partners. The provision of infrastructure such as roads and bridges contributes significantly to economic development by encouraging the growth of markets and trade; it also facilitates the delivery of aid in areas such as health and education by improving access and mobility. In the case of Vietnam, after forty years of warfare in which much of the country's infrastructure was destroyed the restoration and improvement of that infra-structure is an obvious priority. The cost of the bridge to Australia is $54m over four years - hardly excessive in an annual budget of $1480m in 1994-95.  Comment.  Downer has stated that no existing contracts will be cancelled. He is isolated within his own party in making these criticisms. Tim Fisher's trade policy supports even greater Australian business involvement in the aid program. Business welcomes the opportunity these projects offer them in demonstrating their capacities overseas. The Asian Relations Minister in the NT Government has also spoken in support of the My Thuan project. The Friendship Bridge in Thailand/Laos has already proved to be a success with usage exceeding projections.  Development Cooperation and Pacific Island Affairs. THE AID/TRADE LINK.  The Coalition's Position.  "The aid program isn't meant to be an export subsidy for Australian companies . . ," (Downer, quoted Adelaide Adviser, 7 August 1995, The Politics of Aid by Tim Satchell.  LABOR'S POSITION.  The objective of Australia's aid program is humanitarian - to promote economic and social development and to alleviate poverty. However in delivering our aid we source goods and services as far as is possible from within Australia. If participation in our aid program allows Australian companies to show off their abilities and to develop future commercial opportunities, well and good. The aid program is promoted in the business community to ensure that the full range of Australian expertise is available and, through competition, to ensure that we get value for money out of aid providers.  Comment.  Downer is out on a limb again. Fisher's trade policy specifically states that 'Australian industry will have improved opportunities to contribute to the Coalition's aid program' (reeling the Challenges. page 36.). The OECD has very strict rules on what can be counted as development assistance. All Australian aid conforms to those rules.  Development Cooperation and Pacific Island Affairs. HUMAN RIGHTS.  The Coalition's Position.  "I am giving strong consideration to closer links between the criteria for evaluating Ac feasibility of development assistance projects and the attainment of human rights ... I am deeply interested in giving more of an ethical underpinning to our aid program." (Downer, Human Rights and Indonesia, speech to Amnesty International, 4 April 1995, page 7).  LABOR'S POSITION.  The Government assesses human rights issues on a case by case basis. K has shown a willingness in the past to cut off government to government aid in response to particular incidents of human rights abuse; e-g. after the Tianamin massacre and the Fijian military coup. However the suspension of aid is seen an extreme measure. The government believes that continuing dialogue, opening countries up to international pressure, encouraging social and economic development and targeted aid offer the best means of addressing human rights issues. The government also funds specific human rights programs in East Timor, the Philippines and Rwanda.  Comment.  Both Howard and Fisher backed away from Downer's comments, playing down the emphasis on human rights. Fisher said that'. . . we cannot be a conscience of Asia'. Any commitment in the Coalition's policy is likely to be pragmatic and virtually indistinguishable from Government policy though the rhetoric might suggest otherwise. Neither side is going to sacrifice trade or security relationships to a rigid stand on human rights. It really is a tough area in which progress is slow and difficult.  Primary Industries and Energy. OVERVIEW.  The differences between the Heating Government and its political opponents in the Primary Industries and Energy portfolio are profound. In short, it was a Federal Labor Government who in 1991 introduced this nation's first National Drought Policy. This is despite decades of Coalition Governments, and the fact that drought is a recurring feature of Australia's climate. The Federal Labor Government has achieved a decade of progress and major reform after 26 years of neglect by Conservative Government. The Federal Labor Government is the first ever to successfully integrate domestic policies for the economic sustainability of rural Australia with environmental sustainability. Policy outcomes, such as the Prime Minister's Our Land package, are aimed at increasing the productive base of our rural economy whilst protecting the natural resources upon which it relies.  The Opposition has failed to articulate a similar vision. Federal Labor has also pursued free and open trade and investment, particularly within APEC. The recent commitment of APEC leaders to free trade by 2020 is expected to generate around 500,000 new jobs. A striking illustration of the differences between Federal Labor and the Coalition can be found in their response to UK recent drought, the worst in living memory in parts of Queensland and New South Wales. The Federal Labor Government provided a comprehensive response in line with the National Drought Policy, which it introduced, with the agreement of all State Governments, in 1992. The Coalition proposes to tear up the national policy and return to those policies it had in place in the 1980's despite the fact a number of independent studies have shown they promote land degradation. The Coalition would rather give subsidies to fodder transporting companies, rather than helping farming families meet the costs of daily living.  Labor has been providing financial assistance to more than 10,000 farming families during the recent drought allowing them to decide how the money should be allocated. The Coalition admitted many of these families would not have qualified for assistance under its policies, In summary, whilst the Coalition's policies have all been tried before and, have been independently judged to have failed. Labor's policies were recently described by the United States National Drought Mitigation Centre (NDMC) as "probably the best thought-out in the world." Farming families have a clear choice between the Federal Labor Government's positive and clear policy directions which will continue to create jobs, improve the productive base of rural communities, protect the environment and a Coalition which on the one hand, is split on fundamental issues such as how drought relief should be provided and on the other hand is yearning for a return to the past.  Primary Industries and Energy. GENERAL APPROACH TO REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT.  The Coalition's Position.  - "(This policy) gives us the flexibility of announcing a lot of major long term visionary matters but without committing ourselves to actually proceeding with them." (Leaked 'Briefing Paper To Shadow Cabinet '— prepared by Sen fan MacDonald, Shadow Minister for Regional Development).  - Funding of Major Infrastructure. "The problem with proposals in Infrastructure is how 10 give us the flexibility to campaign properly without being so specific - . to lock us into particular projects which then necessity must rule out others", (Leaked 'Briefing Paper To Shadow Cabinet '— prepared by Sen fan MacDonald, Shadow Minister for Regional Development)  - "We need to set a figure (%\ billion, $3 billion-the actual number is insignificant)" (Coal (lion A 'Structural Reform Management Group'— paper prepared by Bruce Scott MP. Shadow Minister for Regional and Rural Development)  LABOR'S POSITION.  In the Primary Industries Portfolio, The Federal Labor Government has, through agreement with State Agriculture Ministers implemented the Rural Partnership Program (RPP). This has already seen major regional strategies funded in South West Queensland and The Eyre Peninsula in South Australia with Sunraysia, the Western Division and Central West of NSW, the Gascoyne and Murchison region as well as tobacco growing areas in the Atherton Tablelands and in Myrtleford all in the process of preparing submissions for Governments to consider. The Federal Labor Government has also funded the tint three stages of the Wimmera-Mallee Pipeline. This Is In addition to the significant funding available for regional projects through the Department of Housing and Regional Development's Regional Development program.  Comment.  Labor is committed to working co-operatively with rural and regional communities in order to address the particular problems that they face. Under the Rural Partnership Program communities are encouraged to identify their needs rather than having Government solutions imposed upon them. The Coalition on the other hand treat the issue of regional development with contempt. In the Coalition's own words, regional development is a mechanism for announcing big projects but without committing to their implementation.  Primary Industries and Energy. DROUGHT POLICY—INTRODUCTION OF FODDER SUBSIDIES.  The Coalition's Position.  John Anderson, Shadow Primary Industries Minister "The key elements of the Coalition's new drought policy are:  - Support for the immediate introduction of a drought relief fodder subsidy scheme" (John Anderson Media Release and Opposition Drought Policy 30 August 1994).  - John Howard on radio: Would you also look at areas sum as fodder subsidies for drought affected..  - "Yes, yes. That…that was part of the ... that's been part of the policy that has been advanced in the past." Countryhour ABC Radio— 13 September 1995.  - "And the point that has to be made again and again, that if you . . . people lose their breeding herds during a severe drought, then you've lost an asset base for a generation. And that's why subsidies for fodder are so very important." Countryhour ABC Radio—13 September 1995.  LABOR'S POSITION.  Labor rejects the call for fodder subsidies on the grounds that they are inappropriate, inefficient, costly and untargeted. Inappropriate—they encourage over stocking in the face of deteriorating conditions causing increased land degradation. Inefficient—fodder costs increase for all livestock farmers because of the subsidy, whilst only some of these farmers receive the benefits. The subsidies benefit fodder producers and transporters rather than the drought affected farmer.  Costly—Whilst the Coalition has not provided costings, the NSW Farmers Association has suggested that it would cost tens of millions of dollars every month. Untargetted—unlike the Drought Relief Payment (DRP) which allows families to receive income to meet the households costs of living, as well as providing automatic eligibility to the Health Card and Family Payments. To date over 10,000 farming famines have benefited from the DRP.  Comment.  The Coalition's policy ignores the report prepared for the Australian Agricultural Council in 1983, which recommended most drought policy measures utilised by the Fraser Government be scrapped. Both Howard and Anderson are committed to re-introducing similar measures again.  Primary Industries and Energy. NATURAL DISASTER RELIEF ARRANGEMENTS (NDRA).  The Coalition's Position.  John Anderson, Shadow Primary Industries Minister" I he key elements of the Coalition's new drought policy are:  - 'The return of "severe" drought to the Natural Disaster Relief Arrangements" (John Anderson Media Release and Opposition Drought Policy 30 August 1994)  - John Howard on radio: Will you rule out, though, classifying m ought as a natural disaster?  A "On no. No certainly not And that was ... that's how it used to be. And I am really quite attracted to that And I think a lot of people in my party are, very strongly " Countryhour ABC Radio—13 September 1995.  LABOR'S POSITION.  Developed Australia's first National Drought Policy in 1992 with the agreement of all State and Territory agriculture ministers. The National Drought Policy seeks to encourage primary producers to recognise that drought is a normal part of Australia's climatic variability and that it needs to be planned for like other risks. It recognises that Drought conditions may reach a point at which it is beyond the capacity of primary producers to plan for and that Government assistance if therefore needed.  The declaration of "exceptional circumstances" brings with it a range of government measures which include up to a 100% interest rate subsidy and the Drought Relief Payment (equivalent to me Job Search Allowance). To date over 10,000 farm families have received the DRP. All farmers can access a range of taxation measures to help plan for drought through the likes of deductions for fodder and water storage as well as measures designed to help prepare financially for difficult times through Farm Management Bonds and Income Equalisation Deposits.  Comment.  The Coalition's policy has been tried before and it failed. Independent studies found they promote a welfare mentality' amongst farmers The Coalition's policy is directly at odds with all State Governments, Labor and conservative who, as recently as October 1995, have re-endorsed Labor's National Drought Policy  Primary Industries and Energy. RURAL POLICY—LAND DEGRADATION.  The Coalition's Position.  "Recognise land degradation as Australia’s most pressing environmental problem and provide incentives to repair past damage and encourage sustainable farming practices"  (Liberal Party Speakers Notes p. 17).  LABOR'S POSITION.  With the Initiatives In Sustaining Rural Australia, the Federal Labor Government will have boosted spending on the Decade of Landcare from the $320m originally allocated to over $1 billion by the year 2000. Introduced a new Sustainable Fanning Component of the Rural Adjustment Scheme which will support farmers in implementing on farm sustainable practices. In the Murray-Darling Basin the Government has committed a further $98m over and above existing funding which in turn could generate an additional investment from States and private industry of more than $600m. This builds on the establishment of the Murray Darling Basin Commission by Federal Labor in 1988.  Comment.  The Coalition's stated concern about land degradation ignores the fact that their own drought policy contributes to further land degradation through fodder subsidies. The Government is acutely aware of the problems caused by land degradation, and has committed massive resources through the National Landcare Program and the Murray Darling Basin Commission.  Primary Industries and Energy. SUGAR INDUSTRY.  The Coalition's Position.  "Tim Fischer has backed my call for a special case for the sugar industry under the Hilmer report process and has said that the single desk export selling powers of the Queensland Sugar Corporation are essential". De-Anne Kelly, National Party candidate/or Dawson. Prosperine Guardian. 11 January, 1996.  LABOR'S POSITION.  The Queensland and Commonwealth governments have announced a Joint review of Queensland's sugar industry regulatory arrangements. The review will be undertaken by a Working Party comprised of an independent chairperson, Sir Eric Neal, and representatives of government agencies, sugar industry organisations, and sugar users. The review's terms of reference are:  a) To review me need for a tariff on raw and refined sugar.  b) To review current legislative arrangements for the promotion and regulation of the sugar industry in Queensland and to investigate alternative arrangements. The objective of any new legislation on this matter should be to facilitate the sustainable development of an internationally competitive export-oriented industry, which benefits both the industry's participants and the wider community.  Comment.  The review is being undertaken with the full co--operation of and consultation with all relevant industry groups. Any changes recommended by the Working Party will be first fully considered by industry through its representatives on the Working Party. The review will ensure that any legislative changes made to the sugar industry to increase competitiveness do not adversely affect the Queensland Sugar Industry and individual growers. The Coalition's slated position of maintaining the status quo without investigating potential gains on the international market irresponsible in Ac extreme. The industry is being given no opportunity to make the most of National Competition Policy principles and if singled out, may well be left behind in the competitive international market.  The Government will continue to show strong support for the sugar industry.  Primary Industries and Energy. REDUCING FARM COSTS.  The Coalition's Position.  Coalition will make farming more competitive and profitable by reducing farm costs particularly interest rates, indirect taxes and Government charges. (Liberal Party Speakers Notes).  LABOR'S POSITION.  The Government does not Impose indirect taxes directly on exports. Neither sales tax or excise are imposed directly on exported products. The Government announced in 1991 an extension of sales tax exemptions for goods used as inputs into production, for primary producers and other goods producers.  The government provides a 100 per cent rebate for diesel fuel under the diesel fuel rebate scheme for primary producers.  Comment.  The Government has undertaken significant reforms in recent years to address the indirect tax burden on primary producers with the extension of the sales tax business input exemptions and the introduction of streamlined sales tax legislation in 1993. The indirect tax burden in Australia is not high by international standards. OECD statistics show that taxes from goods and services accounted for 29.8 per cent of total Australian tax revenue in 1993, just below the unweighted OECD average of 30.2 per cent.  Small Business. OVERVIEW.  SUSTAINABLE, satisfying and rewarding jobs for the future will be created by Australia's businesses. Most of this growth will be in small business. Small business represents over 95% of all businesses in Australian and accounts for about 58% of private sector employment. That is why creating the best conditions for small businesses to grow and expand is a major policy priority for the Federal Labor Government. Under this Labor Government, Australia has enjoyed to date an unprecedented 17 constructive quarters of economic growth. Over this time, 738,000 jobs have been created. In the small business sector employment has grown at an average annual rate of 36% which is more than twice as fast as the growth of total employment. The Coalition has made vague and uncosted references to Capital Gains Tax, Fringe Benefits Tax and the provisional tax uplift factor; the Government on the other hand has been prepared to consider and implement tax reform against a background of fiscal responsibility and equity. The Small Business community has emphasised the importance of stability in interest rates and the Government has delivered. The Government has also responded in a reasonable and considered manner to concerns which were raised by the small business sector to unfair dismissals provisions of the Industrial Relations Act without diminishing the legitimate protection of workers.  Through Working Nation ($630m over 4 years) and the Innovate Australia statement, the Government has put in place a large range of industry assistance programs, all of which are accessible through the AusIndustry Hotline 132846. These include a range of initiatives to improve the availability of finance for small business, including equity finance such as 'business angels'. The Innovation Statement allows banks to take equity in SMEs. This Government has recognised the important role of women in small business through funding the Australian Council of Businesswomen. Women are starting businesses at a faster rate than men; they make up nearly half of all business owners and are enjoying great success.  The Government released a Small Business Package "Creating a Better Business Environment" last year, which was developed in consultation with the small business community. The package foreshadowed amendments to the Trade Practices Act to improve standards of business conduct, and the establishment of a Small Business (Trade Practices) Unit within the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission. The package also included the Government's responses to the Review of the Franchising code of Practice and (lie Industry Commission Report on Petroleum Products. Much to the dismay of the small business community, the Coalition has been unwilling to indicate whether it will support the amendments to the Trade Practices Act —amendments which will protect small business from harsh or oppressive conduct. There are indications that the Coalition is split on the issue and that it has been stood over by the "big end of town". The Federal Labor Government has a clear vision for the future of small business in Australia. It is one in which small business is at the forefront of our national efforts to sustain high rates of jobs growth. A key to that is the stable and secure economic and industrial environment, which Labor has created. Small business will not prosper by a return to the divisiveness and confrontation which Coalition policies would inevitably create.  Small Business. TAXATION.  The Coalition's Position.  A leaked Opposition document hinted at substantial changes to the tax treatment of small business, including reducing the provisional tax uplift factor, FBT, capital gains tax, depreciation schedule, removal of the automatic CPI increases to excise. It was unfunded. (Weekend Australian 26/8/95).  LABOR'S POSITION.  Under the last Coalition Government, taxation rates were 60% for personal income tax, and 46% for company tax. They are now 47% and 36% respectively. The ATO is reviewing record keeping requirements for Capital Gains Tax. Work is continuing on tax law simplification.  Comment.  See Treasury and Finance for more information on tax issues.  Small Business. REGULATION AND COMPLIANCE COSTS.  The Coalition's Position.  - Will introduce a range of initiatives to restore confidence and incentive to small business; and will address core taxation, paperwork and regulatory burdens (John Howard, Speech to Young Liberals, Canberra, 8 January 1996).  - Mr Howard advised business a way to reduce costs would be to throw out things that do not look like cheques (Business breakfast, W.A. 30 October, 1995).  LABOR'S POSITION.  The Federal Labor Government has established the Corporations Law Simplification Talk Force. The First Bill has been paused, and the Second Bill has been released for comment.  The Federal Labor Government has simplified licensing requirements through a national network of business licensing offices and has simplified access to Government programs through AusInduitry and BizHelp. A Council on Business Regulation has been established to provide business with a direct voice to Government. There is a program of regulation review for all agencies. The Federal Labor Government has acted to make it caller to comply with the administrative requirements relating to FBT.  Comment.  A great deal of regulation and paperwork is either local or state government. Small business will inevitably always have concerns about paperwork and regulation. Business is not always consistent on the issue of Government regulation—on the one hand wanting to keep Government out of business and on the other wanting Government to step in when it suits. Labor has always sought to strike the right and equitable balance.  Small Business. BETTER BUSINESS CONDUCT/UNFAIR EXPLOITATION.  The Coalition's Position.  - Judi Moylan stated publicly that addressing the issue of unconscionable conduct was too hard for her and she hoped Senator Schacht would resolve it before she became Minister (Small Business Coalition Dinner 22 June 1995).  - Ms Moylan said the introduction into the Senate of the Trade Practices Amendment is a long overdue response by the Government to an issue of concern to small business. She said the Coalition fully supports the need to ensure that small business gain maximum protection from trade practices law. (Press release 29 November, 1995).  - Another Section 51 AA is not in the interests of small business (Press release 29 November, 1995).  LABOR'S POSITION.  The Trade Practices (Better Business Conduct) Amendment Bill was introduced into the Senate in November, 1995 by the Federal Labor Government, with the intention of providing a competitive but fair business environment. The changes were the result of a working party of the National Small Business Forum which identified that the existing section 51AA of the TPA did not protect small business against unfair exploitation. The BID has the overwhelming support of the Forum and the small business community.  Comment.  The Opposition has not been prepared to come out in support of the proposals or facilitate the debating of the legislation in the Senate. The Opposition has refused to contribute to the community consultation process. The Opposition has shown itself to be shallow and cynical when it has come to this issue of substance— an issue which has been addressed in close consultation with the small business community There are indications that the Opposition is split on the issue and that it has been stood over by the 'big end of town'.  Small Business. UNFAIR DISMISSAL.  The Coalition's Position.  John Howard said he would get rid of the unfair dismissal law (5AN. 25/1/96)—"...and this stupid unfair dismissal law, which is actually frightening small employers out of taking people on, I'm going to get rid of that"  LABOR'S POSITION.  Following representations from the small business community, the Government amended the unfair dismissal provisions of the Industrial Relations Act to require consideration of all of the circumstances relating to a dismissal. From 15 January 1996, the Industrial Relations Commission will consider all of the circumstances relating to a dismissal. Procedural changes will reduce the time Involved for both parties.  Comment.  It is a myth that it is impossible to dismiss an employee because of the Industrial Relations legislation.  The unfair dismissal provisions may usefully be seen as an incentive for managers to adopt professional employment practices.  Social Security. Overview.  THE major issues in social security policy are adequacy, targeting and compliance, and self-provision. Labor has substantially improved adequacy; the base pension is up 13% in real terms, or $20 a week more to a single pensioner and $32 per week to a pensioner couple; additional family payments for low income families are up by 75% to 150% (depending on the age of the child), and rent assistance is up by 75% to 140% (depending on family circumstances), in real terms. Labor's longstanding goal of the pension at 25% of average earnings has been met and anti-poverty benchmarks established in 1987 have been exceeded. The Federal Labor Government has increased payment rates, John Howard cut them. The base pension fell 2% in real terms during (lie last Coalition Government and pensioners were denied an indexation increase— worth a week's pension—in 1979. After being caught out recently, John Howard belatedly and without credibility has promised to maintain the pension at 25% of average earnings. Labor has been able to increase social security rates because we have made the system tighter by cutting out the @ that flourished while John Howard was Treasurer. Income testing has been made more comprehensive and asset testing introduced for most social security payments. Reforms to the income test on financial investments in July 1996 will make the system more simple and stable. A range of compliance measures, including 2.2 million reviews of social security customers annually, ensure that payments are directed only to those who are genuinely entitled. The Coalition was responsible for what an international expert described as the "relative laxity of the past", and opposed many of these measures to properly target assistance only to those genuinely in need. The Federal Labor Government has introduced many measures to encourage self-provision, such as the Child Support Scheme, superannuation reforms, better links with labour market programs, earnings credits, bank deeming, employment entry payments, reformed income tests, the Financial Information Service, and extension of additional family payments and Parenting Allowance to low income working families thereby ensuring that unemployed people always gain financially from taking up additional work opportunities. The Coalition has threatened cuts to Working Nation programs, which would make it harder for unemployed people to get work. John Howard is set to use his "Commission of Audit" as an excuse to slash social security payments and the Government's social wage spending on health, education, housing and childcare [see Treasury and Finance].  Social Security. GENERAL.  The Coalition's Position.  - "The solution in the first instance is to have significant cuts in Government spending." (John Howard, doorstop Melbourne, 24-3-95).  - "There is no secret plan to slash $10 billion from social welfare." (John Howard. ACOSS Speech, 13-10.95).  LABOR'S POSITION.  Labor has combined substantial improvements to the social security system with fiscal restraint. It has done this through funding increased payment rates from improved targeting and measures to encourage self-provision. We have acted to stop people rorting the system.  Comment.  John Howard is being very coy about how he could reconcile his commitments to spending cuts with maintenance of the social security system. A reasonable observer could only conclude that either (a) they have no intention of making significant public savings, or (b) they have a secret agenda to massively slash Government services once they are elected to office.  Social Security. PENSIONS.  The Coalition's Position.  - "It is clear and absolute Coalition policy both to index pensions on a twice yearly basis in accordance with the Consumer Price Index and as well maintain their value at 25 percent of average weekly earnings." (John Howard, press release, 26-11-95).  - "We will maintain the real value of pensions and oilier social security benefits". (John Howard, ACOSS speech, 13-10.96)  LABOR'S POSITION.  Labor has increased the pension from 22.7% of avenge earnings in 1983 to 25% in 1990 and subsequently. This has meant a real increase of 13%, or $20 per week for a single pensioner and $32 per week for a pensioner couple. This longstanding ALP commitment has been repeated on many occasions by the Government.  Comment.  John Howard's 26 November press release was the first ever commitment to the 25% of average earnings benchmark by any Coalition Leader. No Coalition Government has ever achieved this level, or ever sought to achieve it. It came after he was caught out on national television. He cannot be believed.  Social Security. “SELF-FUNDED” RETIREES.  The Coalition's Position.  - "at the time of the last election, the Coalition had a commitment to repair the injustice that existed in relation to the tax free threshold. I think the case dial is put by your organisation in respect of that is a very powerful case. I believe that the arguments based on equity and justice are very strong arguments and I can assure you that those arguments have been very carefully listened to by me and my colleagues." (John Howard, speech to National Conference of Association of lndependent retirees, 22-9-95).  - "In Ac Social Security policy, the Coalition will be proposing a number of modest initiatives designed to assist retirees". (Philip Ruddock, letter to constituent, 8-1-96)Comment  LABOR'S POSITION.  Labor has set the pensioner tax rebate to ensure that maximum-rate pensioners pay no tax.  There if no "Injustice" to "independent" retirees, who face the same tax scales as other taxpayers.  Labor has assisted non-pensioner retirees recently through:  - easing the assets test on the pension enabling more of them to claim some pension.  - introducing the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card, providing low income retirees with access to a range of health-related concessions.  - many non-pensioner retirees have also benefited from the substantial tax concessions on superannuation during their period of saving.  Retirees who receive no pension must have incomes that are above $20,192 (single) or $33,686 (couple), or assets of somewhere between $232.000 and $440,500 (depending on circumstances).  Labor has targeted most assistance to those in most need, ie pensioners, at the same time providing incentives to encourage greater self-provision in retirement.  Social Security. FAMILIES.  The Coalition's Position.  "We will give families with young children greater freedom to choose whether one parent cares full-time for their children at home or whether both are in the paid workforce ..We will address Labor's current discrimination against parents who choose to remain at home to care for their children in the early formative years." (John Howard. the Australia I Believe In)  LABOR'S POSITION.  Labor has increased family assistance to over $I2.5 billion annually, through  - approximately doubling the real value of additional payments to low income families.  - extending these payments to low income working families.  - expanding child care provision.  - introducing the Parenting Allowance in July 1995.  In addition, a Maternity Allowance is to be introduced in February 1996. The great bulk of this assistance goes to single income families. This is because of the eligibility requirements for Parenting Allowance and the family income test applied to family payments.  Comment.  John Howard's alleged discrimination does not exist. The Liberal Party appears to be considering some son of tax-based initiative  - Family payments through the social security system are preferable to tax rebates because they benefit low income families unable to benefit from tax initiatives and they can more flexibly adapt to changing family circumstances.  - Any tax initiative would be expensive. Full income splitting, for example, would cost billions of dollars and still cut assistance to low income families.  - The option John Howard has long preferred— income splitting—would also be very regressive (with high income earners gaining the most) and would erect a very substantial barrier to women's labour force participation.  - Alternatively, the re-introduction of tax rebates for children would reverse what Social Security spokesman Philip Ruddock described as "the most substantial welfare reform since Federation".  Social Security. HOMELESS YOUTH.  The Coalition's Position.  - "Coalition Government will set up and fund a two-year Homeless Youth Pilot Programme that will he run in conjunction with voluntary welfare organisations, and which will put renewed emphasis on the importance of mediation and early intervention. Participants in the Programme will initially receive a six-week transitional payment on the understanding that, during that time, they will assist the participating welfare agency in the preparation of a detailed report on 1L circumstances. The agency will also take all appropriate steps to mediate reconciliation with the young person's family or guardian. At the end of the transitional period, an assessment will be made by the department of the young person's entitlement for ongoing support." (John Howard, ACOSS Speech, 13-10-95).  - "For some time in transition there is no payment available to young people to immediately access". (Philip Ruddock, 2KY, 16-10-95)  LABOR'S POSITION.  The Labor Government introduced income support payments for young people unable to live at home for reasons such as physical or sexual abuse, the absence of a parental home, or not being allowed to live at home. All claims for payment, are carefully verified, and every opportunity is taken to effect a reconciliation between the young person and the family. More recently, the Government negotiated protocols with the Stales, which ensure that State wards, young people under 15, and people at risk of Immediate harm are referred to State welfare departments, who have the responsibility for child welfare, and are only placed on Commonwealth income support in exceptional circumstances.  Comment.  John Howard's proposal is clearly irrelevant to the hulk of young homeless people who either have no home, are not allowed to live at home, or would be subject to physical or sexual abuse at home. Otherwise, it is unclear whether John Howard's proposal means  - nothing, that is, it no more than replicates the current arrangements whereby every opportunity to effect a family reconciliation is explored.  - that young people would be able to receive up to six weeks payment without a full verification of their claim for homelessness. Such an arrangement would greatly contribute to the family breakdown the Coalition says it is seeking to prevent.  - forced "reconciliation" of young people back into an abusive situation.  Sport. Overview.  FEDERAL Labor understands the emphasis that Australians place on sport, and the important place of sport in defining Australia's national identity. Since 1983 the Labor Government has forged a strong partnership with Australian sporting organisations and sports people, with outstanding results. Australians now recognise and support the crucial role that the sport and recreation industry play in attaining economic, social and health objectives. Labor has ensured that Federal assistance to sport has been balanced between elite and community level sport, between women and men and young and older sports people. Labor has also ensured that assistance to sporting organisations and sports people has been distributed around the nation, from netball clubs in Tasmania to track and field athletes in Queensland, from champion rowers in NSW to kids playing soccer in Western Australia. Since 1983 resources to sporting organisations in this country have increased more than tenfold, from a paltry $14 million under the last Coalition Government in 1982-83 to almost $150 million today. The Federal Labor Government now provides extensive support for Olympic athletes preparing for Sydney 2000, $150 million for the facilities for the Sydney Olympics and Paralympics, assistance for junior sport through the AUSSIE Sport program and for disabled sports people through the AUSSIE Able program.  And this increased assistance to sport has seen results—Australians are achieving better results than ever on the international stage, through the Australian Institute of Sport and the Federally funded elite programs of National Sporting Organisations. This is the same AIS (hat the Coalition funded at $4,5 million and for which Labor now provides $38.5 million for the very best Australian athletes. But Labor is not content to just rest on these successes—in December 1995 the Labor Government announced a new $6,2 million Indigenous Sport Program to overcome deficiencies in facilities, training and advice which exist in many indigenous communities. The program will target current and potential elite athletes in indigenous communities, as well as encouraging young Aboriginal people to engage in recreational activity for its health and social benefits.  Territories. Overview.  THE Federal Labor Government has been consistently and constructively working with the communities in the Territories which remain under Commonwealth administration. These co-operative relationships have resulted in developments such as local Aboriginal management of the National Park in the Jervis Bay Territory, enhancement of the tourism industry on Norfolk Island, broadening of the economic base of Christmas Island, and development of regional services covering both Christmas and Cocos-Keeling Islands with service delivery where appropriate by West Australian agencies. Federal Labor is committed to the long-term economic and social development of the communities in the Territories, to the enhancement of conditions in the Territories to meet community standards appropriate to the rest of the Australian community, and to ensuring that the local communities are fully consulted on all matters affecting them. In contrast, the Opposition has not made any commitments nor announced any policies regarding the Commonwealth Territories. There is no reason to suppose the Coalition will not completely ignore Territory communities as they did in the past, when they allowed economic and social conditions to completely stagnate.  Federal Labor will not allow that stagnation to again take hold in Territory communities.  Tourism. OVERVIEW.  UNDER the Federal Labor Government, Australia's tourism industry has become one of the most important parts of our economy. Australia is attracting record numbers of tourists with 3.7 million visiting our country in the year ended October 1995. Tourism now contributes 6.6%of GDP and employees 500,000 people. The industry is forecast to create 160,000 new jobs in the ten years to 2003. Tourism generated export earnings of $l2-- million in 1994/95, up from $2 billion in 1983. In the year 2000, 63 million tourists are expected to visit Australia generating export earnings of up to $21 billion.  Marketing: The Australian Tourist Commission (ATC), the Government's international marketing arm, has seen its funding increase eightfold since Labor came to power in 1982. In 1995/96 the ATC will receive a record $80 million to promote Australia to tourists throughout the world. The Federal Labor Government is investing $100 million over the next three years in a new global television and print campaign to sell Australia as a holiday destination in the lead up to the Olympics. Tourism in Regional Australia: Tourism has significant potential to diversify regional economies and generate jobs. This helps spread the benefits of Australia's economic growth to regional Australia. In 1993 a four year, $42 million initiative commenced which is directed at improving tourism infrastructure and tourism services in areas outside our capital cities and major gateways. Tourism and the Environment: Australia's natural environment is fundamental to the success of the tourism industry. The Government and the tourism industry recognise that tourism needs to be managed in an ecologically sustainable way. Given Australia's diverse range of environmental experiences we are well placed to capture the growing international ecotourism market. The Federal Labor Government has committed $10 million over four years to 1996/97 to implement the National Ecotourism Strategy and its complementary National Ecotourism Program. Boosting Investment: The Federal Labor Government established the Tourism Forecasting. Council in an effort to provide soundly based forecasts of tourism flows to better guide tourism planning and investment decisions. The Tourism Forecasting Council has developed estimates for international and domestic tourism arrivals and is currently developing forecasts for regions of Australia which will be influential in getting the right investment in the right areas at the right time. Kingsford Smith Airport (KSA): Sydney is, and is likely to remain, the premier point of entry into Australia for the foreseeable future. Through amendments to the Airports Bill and Airports (Transitional) Bill 1995 the Opposition has sought to re-open the east-west runway at KSA by putting this as a precondition before the lease of KSA can proceed. A cross runway operation at KSA will significantly restrict the number of aircraft movements which will negatively impact on the economic benefits which are available from an expanding tourism industry, (For further details see Transport).  Tourism. REGIONAL AND SPECIAL INTEREST TOURISM.  The Coalition's Position.  Draft policy on Regional Development fails to mention the benefits of tourism growth in regional Australia and alludes to a strategy of "announcing a lot of major long term visionary matters but without committing ourselves to actually proceeding with them". Source: Briefing Paper to Shadow Cabinet • Draft Policy for Regional Development.  LABOR'S POSITION.  Federal Labour has implemented a $42 million, 4 year assistance package, announced in the 1993 Budget, aimed at spreading the economic and employment benefits of sustainable tourism development in rural and regional Australia.  Comment.  Program delivery is in its 3rd year of a four year cycle. More than 350 projects across Australia have so far benefited from the Government's regional  Tourism. EXPORT MARKET DEVELOPMENT GRANTS SCHEME (EMPGS)  The Coalition Position.  "I would state on behalf of the coalition that, on election to Government, the coalition would recognise tourism as our largest single earner of foreign currency, and it will give tourism the same access to export market development grants and to any other facilities as are applicable to any other industry."  Stated by Senator Parer • Senate Hansard Wednesday, 28 June 1995 page 2058.  LABOR'S POSITION.  Under the Federal Labor Government, those tourism operators which provide three eligible services or more have received the 50 per cent grant rate on eligible promotional expenditure since July 1990.  The decision, in Working Nation, to include operators who provide a single service (eg a hotel operator) in the Scheme at a 25 per cent grant rate from 1 July 1994 provides them with promotional assistance that was previously not available.  Comment.  The Federal Labor Government's decision to provide a record $80 million in the 1995-96 Budget to the Australian Tourist Commission for overseas marketing activities and the three-year $100 million ATC promotional campaign in our major overseas markets is evidence of our commitment to the tourism industry.  Trade. Overview.  THE three main components of trade policy are:  (1) negotiating better market access in multilateral, regional and bilateral form.  (2) protecting Australia's interests in the development of the international trading system; (3) promoting Australia's export performance, including providing of assistance to Australian firms via Austrade.  Since 1983 the Federal Labor Government has made substantial progress on all three fronts Australia, through its leadership of the Cairns Group, played a key role in ensuring agricultural trade liberalisation was included in the Uruguay Round. Australia also played a significant role in ensuring that services were included in the process for the first time. The outcome signed up to in 1994 is estimated to add, when fully implemented, about S3.7 billion per year to Australia's income, of which $1 billion will go to agriculture. The proportion of Australia's manufactured exports to developed-country markets facing zero tariffs will more than double to over 43 per cent.  The establishment of APEC and the subsequent Leaders meetings were initiatives of this Government Tills leadership culminated in the Bogor (1994) and Osaka (1995) Declarations providing for free trade and investment in the APEC region by 2010/2020. It is estimated that APEC trade liberalisation and facilitation will increase Australia's real income by 6.8 per cent or $40 billion. This is expected to generate some 500,000 new jobs for Australia. A substantially improved export performance over the past 10 years has put Australia on a new growth path and lifted the speed limit of the economy by a full percentage point. Over the past decade the share of exports of goods and services in Australia's GDP has increased substantially from around 14.7% in 1983-84 to 19.4% in 1994-95. OECD figures show that in the 10 years to 1994, real exports of Australian goods and services increased by 107%. The OECD average was 65%. Australia's export success has been underpinned by a dramatic increase in exports of Australian manufactured products. In particular, exports of elaborately transformed manufactures (ETMs) have been growing at an average rate of 17.1% since 1984, and services exports by a healthy 13% per annum, well above the OECD averages. Tim Fischer has stated that he is prepared to trade the tariff protection of the Australian textiles, clothing, footwear and passenger motor vehicle industries in bilateral deals. This would create damaging uncertainty for both investors and workers in these important industries. Fischer suggested that he would use Australia's position as a major commodity supplier as leverage against those countries (e.g. Japan) which are our largest customers in market access negotiations, seriously damaging our reputation as a reliable supplier. This so called "aggressive" bilateralism would put Australia's outstanding success in Asian markets at risk and undermine our credibility and influence in APEC and the WTO. Scaling down Australia's effort at the multilateral level, as indicated by Fischer, would put at risk Australia's leadership of the Cairns Group as well as significantly diminishing our capacity to influence the shape of the multilateral agenda, including further progress in opening up world markets for Australian agriculture.  The Opposition expects Austrade to move to full cost recovery. Currently, Austrade provides Australian small and medium sized firms with free or subsidised support to enter overseas projects. Full cost recovery would mean 8000 Austrade clients could see the cost of Austrade services double or triple.  Trade. NON-TARIFF BARRIERS.  The Coalition's Position  The Coalition will address non-tariff barriers. (NTBs) (Coalition Trade Policy Statement 12 Jan. 1996).  LABOR'S POSITION.  The Federal Labor Government is actively pursuing NTBs multilaterally (WTO agenda), regionally (to be included In APEC action plans) and bilaterally.  Comment.  Standards (e.g, for white goods) can be a substantial NTB. Australia has recently concluded a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) on standards with NZ. In addition, MRAs are currently being finalised with the EU and negotiations are scheduled with the USA in February 1996.  Trade. A NEW MULTILATERAL (GATT) ROUND.  The Coalition's Position.  The Coalition has stated that it would not support early moves for another round of trade liberalisation talks in the World Trade Organisation (WTO/GATT). They would prefer to pursue “a series of kinks in the bilateral pipelines" on a country by country basis "before returning to a full-on trade round".  (Tim Fischer BRW January 22 1996).  LABOR'S POSITION.  Australia will continue to play an active role in preparing the agenda for the WTO Ministerial meeting in Singapore in December 1996 with a view to the earliest possible resumption of Multilateral Trade Negotiation processes. Through its leadership of the Calms Group, Australia ensured that agricultural market BCCCH blues were included in the Round and it is the Government's intention to ice that agriculture continues to be liberalised in the next round.  Comment.  It is a fact that the gains for Australia from multilateral trade negotiations far exceed what is achievable from bilateral deals, The agricultural sector was n significant beneficiary from the last GATT round. The outcome signed up to in 1994 is estimated to add about AU $3.7 billion per year to Australia's income when fully implemented of which AU $ 1 billion will go to agriculture. The National Farmers Federation strongly supports the Government's continuing push on the multi-lateral trade agenda.  Trade. MARKET ACCESS STRATEGIES.  The Coalition's Position.  - The Opposition has said that it will devote more resources to bilateral negotiations and the "removal aggressively of non-tariff barriers". The Coalition has not said what it will cut to provide the additional resources for greater bilateral activity but they have said that there will be no additional funding for this increased effort. (Tim Fischer, 'AM"ABC Radio—12 Jan. 1996).  - The Coalition confirmed that the tariff protection for Australian textiles, clothing, footwear and automobile manufacturers will be part of the bilateral deals in order "to create a degree of leverage in those three areas". (Tim Fischer Press Conference 12 Jan. 1996).  - Tim Fischer indicated that he would seek to use our position as a major commodity supplier as leverage against those countries (e.g. Japan) which are Australia's largest customers in bilateral negotiations. (Tim Fischer BRW January 22 1996).  LABOR'S POSITION.  The Federal Labor Government has implemented a vigorous and co-ordinated program of bilateral negotiation. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade currently devotes 70% of its resources to bilateral activities. However, this Government accepts that, for all except the largest countries, the major gains in market access can only be won in multilateral and regional fora because all countries are constrained in what they can offer on a bilateral basis and concessions to one country immediately bring pressure from others for equal treatment. Multilateral and regional fora also provide a framework in which to maximise our bilateral efforts.  There are over 30 formal trade agreements between Australia and trading partners, including recent arrangements with the USA, Canada and Mexico. Trade and investment studies have been initiated in key markets as a basis for refining bilateral strategies (including US and Europe).  Labor is committed to defined tariff level until the year 2000 and to ensuring that industry has the predictability to plan and invest.  Comment.  The indisputable fact is that the major gains from trade for Australia (and all other industrialised countries) have come from multilateral and regional arrangements. The opportunities for bilateral arrangements are increasingly limited (most major economies are members of regional groupings). Indeed aggressive bilateralism is more likely to reduce our ability to promote Australia's agenda in multilateral and regional fora without producing significant results.  Any attempt to use our position as a major supplier of rural products, energy and minerals to other countries as leverage in bilateral negotiations will damage our reputation as a reliable supplier and encourage those threatened countries to seek alternative suppliers. It is also unlikely to be successful.  Transport Policy. ROAD AND RAIL.  The Coalition's Position.  ROADS.  - Federal funding for Roads of National Importance— also covered under Linking Australia.  - "The Linking Australia program will devote some of the revenue from asset sales to transport infrastructure projects, including road construction."(Sharp RD 8/9 5 17/5/95)  - "We promise an increase in road spending as an essential clement of rebuilding Australia. At the very least we will either stop indexation so that federal fuel excise does not continue to rise twice a year automatically as Keating introduced, or ensure that any excise increases are wholly spent on roads." (Sharp fit NSW RTA conference Sept 1995).  - "The Federal Government will declare the Summerland Way a road of National Importance, enabling it to benefit from Federal funding under a new category of roads to be introduced by a Coalition Government" (Sharp RD 16/95 1/11/95).  - "A Coalition Government is committed to re-introducing the Black Spots program" (Fisher Press release 3/1/96, also Sharp RD8/95 and many repetitions).  - "The Pacific Highway ought to benefit from Federal Funding" "The Federal Coalition has already '' announced two major new road funding initiatives that could assist in the upgrading of the Pacific Highway"—Linking Australia and Black spots (Sharp RD 10/95)  LABOR'S POSITION.  Federal Labor Government tied funding of $840m for the National Highway System, plus untied, but identified, road funds for States ($369m) and Local Government ($358m) for their decision as to the priority of specific projects. The Federal Labor Government's three year black spots program of $270m ended 1992/93. The Federal Labor Government will provide $750m over 10 years for the duplication of the Pacific Highway on the basil of Queensland and NSW providing matching funding. Announced by the PM 20 Dec 1995.  Comment.  The roads of National Importance proposal to cover "main arterial-type roads", has allowed the Coalition to make promises in respect of the Summerland Way in the electorates of Page and Richmond, and to hint at funding for other urban roads (eg, in relation to the Scoresby by-pass, in the electorate of Holt. The Coalition has been reported as saying it would support building a S600m freeway between Frankston and Ringwood—Frankston Independent News 14/11/95).  The Coalition's excise commitment would be very expensive. The size of the Coalition's is commitment unspecified. State and local governments best placed to decide where to make expenditure commitments of this type. Both Qld and NSW have accepted the Commonwealth offer and committed the funds for their part.  Transport Policy. ROAD AND RAIL (Continued).  The Coalition's Position. RAIL.  "We want to get more operators on the rail system. Our policy will allow that to happen" (Sharp, Western Advocate 15/12/95).  Track Australia.  - "The main tracks around Australia would be owned in partnership between the Commonwealth and States" (Sharp, Western Advocate 15. i\ v5).  - Rail tracks would be owned by a separate body, and new works funded by borrowing or Government grants Melbourne Age 21/9/95—Sharp at MTIA Conference, "what the Coalition would mean for business ").  - Sharp said he intended to introduce Track Australia if he is elected. (Goulburn Post 5 Jan 1996).  - With the States agreement, interstate passenger train services would be taken over by a new national passenger rail corporation on the lines of National Passenger Corporation to be set up on similar lines to NR .. . Australian National would be merged with the new body. (The Age 21/9/95—Sharp as above).  - Mr Sharp said private buyers would be found for part of the Commonwealth's shareholding in National Rail. (The Age 21/9/95 as above)  LABOR'S POSITION.  The Federal Labor Government has already done this—Specialised Container Transport has been operating Its own trains on Melbourne-Perth link since July 1995. TNT is considering similar action.  The Track Australia Initiative—to set up a single body to manage access to the interstate track, and provide track maintenance and investment was announced by the Federal Government on 3 June 1995.  The Federal Labor Government supports AN in its current form.  The Federal Labor Government supports NR in its current form.  Comment.  National Competition policy (and the One Nation standard gauge line) have encouraged the private sector to look at the viability of these services. The Track Australia initiative will provide the mechanism for increased investment in rail track. Separates monopoly clement from the operational clement, and gives competitive neutrality. Discussions with States on the establishment of Track Australia are proceeding well. Most of the passenger lines run by the States are major loss makers. The Coalition's policy would require a substantial financial commitment.  Transport Policy. AVIATION (Continued).  The Coalition's Position.  SINGLE AVIATION MARKET.  "Establishment of a single aviation market with NZ." Liberal Party speakers notes November 1995.  EMERGENCY LOCATOR TRANSMITTERS  • "The Coalition will redraft CAR 252 ' • that aircraft operators are required to either install a fixed ELF or carry an approved portable ELT". Sen W Parer, media statement 15/1/96  LABOR'S POSITION.  In One Nation, the Federal Labor Government committed Itself to working toward a single market with New Zealand subject to the resolution of Issues such as ownership and control of carriers. CASA announced that from 5 December 1996 all general aviation aircraft will need to be fitted with automatically activated ELTs, which can be portable. CASA will not mandate manually activated units as they do not meet designated crash standards and rely on manual activation.  Comment.  In November 1994 the Government decided that Air NZ would not have access to the Australian domestic market and no additional rights to fly traffic to points from Australia (5th freedom rights) due to the absence of any equivalent reciprocal benefits for Australian carriers. The Coalition’s position is not supported by any other aviation authority in the world. The CASA position fully accords with the US. NZ etc. Manually activated ELTS are not regarded as meeting the necessary safety requirements.  Transport Policy. MARITIME INDUSTRY.  The Coalition's Position.  - "The Coalition will open coastal shipping to competition." (p8) (John Sharp, Shadow Transport spokesman speech to National Bulk Commodities Group, Melbourne, 7/12/95).  - "We will enter into discussions with the shipping industry on the possibility (of) second register arrangements." (p8) (John Sharp, Shadow Transport spokesman speech to National Bulk Commodities Group, Melbourne. 7/12/95).  - "the Coalition will play that role fully through offering the States a mechanism to compensate them for their loss of revenue in order to encourage them to privatisation (of ports)." (p7) (John Sharp, Shadow Transport spokesman speech to National Bulk Commodities Group, Melbourne, 7/12/95)  LABOR'S POSITION.  - Maintain Cabotage.  - Australian flagged vessels must be Australian crewed receiving award wages  - The Federal Labor Government encourages coporatisation of ports, and for larger ports divesting non-core activities  Comment.  Abolition of cabotage would leave Australia's 69 vessel coastal and international fleet unable to compete against international vessels crewed by seafarers who are often paid two thirds less than Australian seafarers and who work in substandard conditions on substandard vessels. Job losses, particularly for ratings, would exceed 1,500. Australia's maritime training body, the Australian Maritime College's financial viability would be threatened. A second register would allow Australian shipping operators to employ mixed crews, ie; Australian officers, most probably some Australian engineers and most certainly ratings from low wage countries. Significant job losses would occur, sec above. Financial incentives are not necessary. States selling ports will capture the benefits of expected future profits in the sale price.  Treasury and Finance. Overview.  THERE are four major issues at stake in the Treasury and Finance portfolios: tax, government spending, superannuation and national saving. The Government has stated quite clearly that it will not increase the overall burden of taxation. Australia is one of the lowest taxed of all industrial countries and we want to @ that excellent record. Since 1983, the Federal Labor Government has done an enormous amount of hard work to restore fairness to the tax system. In contrast, the Coalition is already making promises to change the tax system in ways that would create new opportunities for rorting. Over the last 13 years Labor has transformed Australia's superannuation system. From less than 40 per cent of employees in 1983, today almost 90 per cent of employees have superannuation. After years of bagging Labor's superannuation initiatives, the Coalition has now endorsed the basic elements of our policy. Nevertheless, the Coalition has proposed several changes that would seriously undermine the benefits flowing from superannuation. For instance, superannuation funds are currently controlled by their trustees who have a responsibility to achieve the best returns for their members. However, the Coalition wants the banks, whose foremost responsibility is to their shareholders, to be able to offer retirement savings accounts (RSAs). This proposal, combined with measures to increase member choice of superannuation fund, would massively erode the role of superannuation in providing a large, long-term pool of patient capital to fund Australia's future development. Building superannuation further through employee and government contributions is a key part of the Federal Labor Government's plan to boost national saving. The other element is to boost public saving by restoring the Budget to surplus. While Labor's position is clear, the Coalition's position is highly confused. For instance, in his second headland speech, John Howard said his "Number One" fiscal priority was to make "significant public savings". Since then, that commitment has gone missing. The Coalition now says it will achieve an "underlying" surplus in its first Budget and a "structural surplus over the economic cycle". However, John Howard and Peter Costello have provided no details of how they expect to meet their new commitments. A reasonable observer could only conclude that they are trying to hide a secret agenda to massively slash Government services once they are elected to office.  Taxation. CAPITAL GAINS TAX.  The Coalition's Position.  "We will introduce a Capital Gains Tax rollover whereby the proceeds of the sale of a business can be invested in another small business or approved retirement investment." (John Howard, Th9 Australia I Believe In).  LABOR'S POSITION  The Federal Labor Government has made the tax system much fairer than it was when John Howard was Treasurer. Capital gains are a form of Income, Just as wages, salaries, profits and interest are. The capital gains tax put an end to rorting of the tax system by those wealthy enough to be In a position to convert taxable Income Into capital gains so as to avoid paying their fair share of tax. The capital gains tax is fair. It is only levied on the real capital gain at the time an asset is sold rather than as the capital gains accrue. Furthermore, an averaging mechanism applies to notionally spread the taxable gain over a five-year period to minimise the impact of progressive rates of tax for individual taxpayers.  Comment.  The Coalition's policy, if implemented, would mean that business people could postpone paying capital gains tax forever. This would open a large hole in the budget. The hole would have to be closed through higher taxes in other areas. Most Australians, and PAYE taxpayers in particular, would face either higher taxes or reduced government services or both.  Taxation. TAX TREATMENT OF PRIVATE INVESTMENT IN INFRASTRUCTURE.  The Coalition's Position.  Coalition will "review in government the tax treatment of private investment in infrastructure",  (John Howard, The Australia I Believe In).  LABOR'S POSITION.  The Government currently provides considerable tax incentives for private Investment in infrastructure: - the Development Allowance Authority approves projects for concessionally-taxed infrastructure borrowing.  - the Australian Tax Office has introduced a streamlined process for private rulings on public infrastructure projects.  - In the 1992 One Nation statement, the Government extended depreciation allowances to infrastructure assets.  Comment.  The Coalition is giving no commitment to change the tax treatment of private sector infrastructure investment, it is only promising a review. The Government has already undertaken a review of private sector involvement in infrastructure released in a recent EPAC report. The Government has announced (hat it will be retaining infrastructure borrowings. The infrastructure borrowings concession and the development allowance have been successful:  - hundreds of millions of dollars of infrastructure borrowings have been approved and  - capital expenditure ofS5 billion has pre-qualified for the development allowance.  Taxation. PROVISIONAL TAX.  The Coalition's Position.  "We will set the provisional tax uplift factor at a realistic level consistent with estimated growth in income." (John Howard, Th» Australia I Believe In).  LABOR'S POSITION.  Government policy is to set the provisional tax uplift factor at a rate that represents a reasonable estimate of the growth tn those incomes which are subject to provisional tax.  - The 1995-96 uplift factor of 8 per cent has been set having regard to the expected annual growth in types of Incomes subject to provisional tax over the next several years.  - Taxpayers can apply for a provisional tax variation If they consider that provisional tax calculated using the uplift factor is too high in their individual circumstances.  Comment.  The Government makes every effort to estimate the expected growth in incomes subject to provisional tax as accurately as possible.  — If the uplift factor is set too low, it will provide a tax deferral advantage for provisional taxpayers compared with pay-as-you-earn (PAYE) taxpayers.  — Most small provisional taxpayers have a timing advantage compared with PAYE taxpayers who pay tax as income is earned through the year (provisional tax liabilities are either paid quarterly in the case of large taxpayers or in a lump sum in the last quarter of the income year for small taxpayers).  Taxation. TAX ADMINISTRATION.  The Coalition's Position.  -"We will reduce the unfair burden of the compliance cost of taxation through a range of specific tax reform initiatives.  - we will increase consultation prior to announcements of changes in tax policy and implement lime limits within which tax legislation is introduced following such announcements,  - we will simplify the concepts underlying tax law instead of merely re-drafling them in different language.  - we will include a Taxpayer's Charter of Rights in legislation and make it legally enforceable against the Tax Office " (John Howard, The Australia I Believe In).  LABOR'S POSITION.  This Government has initiated consultation on major tax policy to an extent never before seen in Australia. The Tax Commissioner's Tax Liaison Group meets regularly to discuss major tax issues.  The Government has initiated the Tax Law Improvement Project to rewrite the laws in plain English.  The Government has already developed a Taxpayers' Charter which has keen distributed for public comment.  Comment.  The public consultation process started with the White Paper dealing with the Reform of the Australian Tax System in 1985, It has been evident in subsequent reforms, most recently in the discussion paper on the taxation of financial products. Rewriting the laws in plain English will make the law much easier to understand while retaining equity and fairness. The Taxpayers' Charter mainly publishes rights that exist and are in the law already. The Government has concentrated on making the lax system fairer for everyone. We do not support so-called "tax simplification" which has no other purpose but to open up tax loopholes. Capital Gains Tax, Fringe Benefits Tax and other initiatives have added some complexity to the tax law, but they have prevented the unfair rorting of the tax system and have allowed marginal tax rates to come down for all Australians.  Taxation. FRINGE BENEFITS TAX.  The Coalition's Position.  The Coalition has announced "approval in principle for aligning the FBT year with the income tax year so that taxation legislation has one common denominator—the financial year." (Peter Costello, speech to Australia-Israel Chamber of Commerce, 14 November 19%).  LABOR'S POSITION.  The Government has asked the Australian Tax Office to review the possibility of aligning the FBT and Income tax years.  Comment.  The Government originally set different income and FBT tax years, because that is what businesses said they wanted. The Government was told that different tax years would help businesses because it meant that not all tax arrangements would have to be finalised at the same time of the year.  Budget Policy. BUDGET OBJECTIVES  The Coalition's Position.  The Coalition has pledged that it will achieve an "underlying surplus" in its first Budget and a "structural surplus over the economic cycle". (John Howard, The Australia I Believe In).  LABOR'S POSITION.  The Government has returned the Budget to surplus. The surplus in 1995-96 is expected to be $115 million. Over the last four decades this Government has been the only Government to deliver Budget surpluses. John Howard never achieved a surplus in the 5 years that he was Treasurer.  Comment.  The Coalition's position on their overall Budget objectives is unclear. For instance, in his second headland speech. John Howard said his "Number One" fiscal priority was to make "significant public savings". Since then, that commitment has gone missing. The Coalition now says it will achieve an "underlying" surplus in its first Budget and a "structural surplus over the economic cycle". However, John Howard and Peter Costello have provided no details of how they expect to meet their new commitments. A reasonable observer could only conclude that they are trying to hide a secret agenda to massively slash Government services once they are elected to office.  Budget Policy. COMMISSION OF AUDIT.  The Coalition's Position.  The Coalition will establish a "Commission of Audit on Commonwealth finances to report back within ninety days of its commencement immediately after the election. The Commission will report on:  - the Commonwealth's contingent liabilities.  - UK; slate of the Commonwealth infrastructure.  - the level of duplication between the Commonwealth and the States in the delivery of services and the measures needed to promote more efficient delivery.  - financial performance targets for Commonwealth departments.  - budgeting for demographic changes." (John Howard, The Australia I Belive In).  LABOR'S POSITION.  None of the proposed functions of the Commission of Audit is new. The Federal Labor Government has been addressing each of these issues for a long time. The contingent liabilities of Commonwealth owned or controlled entitles, and of its various superannuation schemes, are reported to Parliament annually. EPAC reported on the state of Commonwealth infrastructure during 1995. Throughout its time in Office, the Federal Labor Government has sought to more clearly define the roles of the Commonwealth and the States, thereby reducing duplication of effort and programs. The latest move through the COAG process has, as one of its specific roles, the reduction of duplication. Progress in this area is to a large degree dependent on agreement with Ac States. The Labor Government has been fully aware of the effect of demographic changes. That's why we've updated our policies on issues such as childcare and superannuation.  Comment.  Nick Greiner, Jeff Kennett, Richard Court and Dean Brown have all used the promise of a Commission of Audit as an excuse not to reveal during election campaigns their own real agendas for cutting government services. After being elected they have all used the reports of their Commissions of Audit as excuses to break their promises and cut government services. The Commission of Audit is a device to slash the social wage (government spending on health. housing, education and childcare)  Budget Policy. CHARTER OF BUDGET HONESTY.  The Coalition's Position.  The Coalition will introduce a "Charter of Budget Honesty to:  - require the clear separation of the recurrent and capital sides of the Budget.  - establish benchmarks against which Budget policies can be assessed.  - seek to achieve prudent public debt levels.  - establish a more appropriate balance between operating revenues and expenses".  The Coalition will require "Budget inf' • lion to be prepared on the basis of accrual accounting in order to ensure that a true picture of the Commonwealth's assets and liabilities is presented." (John Howard, 77m Australia I Believe In).  LABOR'S POSITION.  Recurrent and capital expenditure items are clearly identifiable in Federal Budget papers. The Department of Finance is constantly making improvements in accounting policies.  Most portfolios are already producing accrual accounts, and work is continuing on how best to present whole of government accounts. The Federal Labor Government has regularly announced its fiscal policy targets so that the Australian public can Judge its performance. The Federal Labor Government is the only government in the last 40 years to have produced Budget surpluses. Where appropriate, the Federal Labor Government has moved agencies to a more commercially oriented footing, and introduced user charging and greater accountability.  Comment.  The only thing that is new about this is the name "Charter of Budget Honesty". It was the Federal Labor Government which reformed the Budget processes and presentation when it came to office to overcome the rubbery figures, lack of information (no published forward estimates) and dishonesty of the Howard processes.  Budget Policy. COMMONWEALTH/STATE FINANCIAL RELATIONS.  The Coalition's Position.  The Coalition will provide the States and Territories with a "Fixed share of taxation revenue".  (John Howard, The Australia I Believe In).  LABOR'S POSITION.  The Federal Government currently provides significant funding certainty to the States through its commitment to maintain the real per capita value of financial assistance grand, a major source of funding. Federal Government competition payments to the states (conditional on the implementation of the national competition policy) will total $16.1 billion over the next 10 years.  Comment.  Paying the States a fixed share of Commonwealth tax revenue would mean that Commonwealth grants to the States would swing wildly according to the economic cycle and impact adversely on the management of fiscal policy. In tough economic times the States would not be protected by the Commonwealth. For example. Commonwealth tax revenues fell in real terms during the recession by 7.4 per cent in 1991-92. Under Mr Howard's proposal Commonwealth payments would have fallen by the same percentage. In fact they were maintained in real terms under this Government. The Federal Government provides the Slates with 41 per cent of their total revenue—an increase in real terms of 9.7 per cent since 1983. In a growing economy, John Howard's promise would be enormously expensive. John Howard has not said how he will pay for this promise.  Microeconomic Reform & Competition Policy. NATIONAL COMPETITION POLICY.  The Coalition's Position.  Coalition accepts the "broad thrust" of National Competition Policy. (John Howard, interview 'Sunday', 19 November 1995).  LABOR'S POSITION.  The Federal Labor Government is the architect of the national competition policy. The national competition policy, when fully implemented, is expected to boost GDP by 5.5 per cent, which equals $1,500 for every household in Australia. Without the Federal Government there would never have been a Hilmer report and there would never have been a national competition policy. The Federal Labor Government has never accepted the notion of competition for competition's sake. Competition is justified where it delivers lower prices, more jobs and higher living standards. Federal Labor rejects the slash and bum approach of conservative State Governments. We seek to balance the need for greater competition with the need to protect the Interests of working Australians. Under the National Competition Policy legislation which restricts competition may continue, but only if a formal review finds that the public benefits of the legislation are greater than the costs. Competition reforms must embrace social welfare and equity issues; they cannot override awards and they must be In the interests of consumers.  Comment.  Coalition ranks are split on this issue. The National Party wants to sec statutory marketing authorities excluded from national competition policy reforms. Tim Fischer has said that he also doesn't believe that competition reforms should be applied to businesses such as news agencies and pharmacies. Writing as the National Party's Acting Leader, John Anderson told the Grains Council: "Labor's support for the single desk (wheat marketing arrangements) is dependent on its meeting Hilmer conditions. Ours is not." (Letter to Mr. Ian Mcfarlane, President, Grains Council of Australia. 8 December 1995). In contrast, a spokesman for Mr Costello has said: "The Coalition will not be announcing any exemptions from competition rules for any industry" (AAP, 17 January 1996).  Microeconomic Reform & Competition Policy. PRODUCTIVITY COMMISSION.  The Coalition's Position.  The Coalition will establish a "Productivity Commission (through n merging of the Industry Commission, the Economic Planning Advisory Commission and the Bureau of Industry Economics) to:  - stock take progress on microeconomic reform.  - identify best practice by industry and activity.  - produce strategies to reduce tax compliance costs to internationally competitive levels.  - compare Australia to the Asia-Pacific region in terms of attractiveness as places to do business. (John Howard, The Australia I Believe In).  LABOR'S POSITION.  All of the functions identified by John Howard for his proposed "Productivity Commission " sre already being carried out by existing agencies:  - The Industry Commission already produces an annual stocktake of microeconomic reform.  - Auslnduslry identifies best practice by industry and disseminates the results.  - The BIE benchmarks key infrastructure industries against international bent practice.  - the Industry Commission benchmarks government business enterprises and the delivery of government services by State and Commonwealth Governments.  - The National Investment Council benchmarks Australia as a business investment location.  - The Australian Tax Office already reviews tax compliance costs. For instance, just last year the ATO completed a major review of FBT compliance costs. The ATO's Tax Law Improvement Project is all about simplifying the tax laws and reducing compliance costs. The Government has also acted to ensure that all new tax legislation is accompanied by a Taxation Impact Statement, which assesses compliance costs. AD advice to the Government on changes to the tax law must now include an assessment of compliance costs.  Comment.  John Howard's Audit Commission will be used to break promises and cut government services, his Productivity Commission will be used to slash Australian workers' pay and conditions.  Financial and Monetary Policies. FINANCIAL REGULATION AND BANK FEES.  The Coalition's Position.  - The Coalition will establish a limited inquiry to "stocktake financial deregulation, establish a common regulatory framework for overlapping financial products and address the issue of future financial innovation". (John Howard. The Australia I Believe In}.  - "Allow small and medium sized businesses to obtain equity capital from banks". (John Howard, The Australia I Believe In).  LABOR'S POSITION.  Labor has overseen the modernisation of Australia's financial system. We remain fully committed to seeing that consumers and businesses benefit from a world class financial system. The Government has sought to ensure consistency across the spectrum of financial products by requiring close consultation between the regulators—the RBA, ISC, ASC and AFIC—through the Council of Financial Supervisors. In last year's Innovation Statement, the Government announced that banks would be able to make equity investments in small and medium sized businesses, subject to appropriate prudential arrangements to protect bank depositors' money.  Comment.  Last year, the Federal Government asked the Prices Surveillance Authority to conduct an inquiry into bank fees and charges. The inquiry found the banks were unfairly treating low income earners.  The Government told the banks it would force them to provide a basic banking product if they didn't respond adequately to the PSA's recommendations. The four major banks have all responded to the PSA inquiry by providing basic banking products which are consistent with the guidelines set down by the Federal Labor Government. In contrast, Peter Costello said he would not force the banks to provide a Fair basic banking product (Interview with ABC Radio. 30 August 1995).  Financial and Monetary Policies. MONETARY POLICY.  The Coalition's Position.  The Coalition will improve "the flow of information from the Reserve Bank to the marketplace, including regular statements on monetary policy and the release of its own independent economic forecasts". (John Howard, The Australia I Believe In).  LABOR'S POSITION.  The Government has endorsed the Reserve Bank's goal to maintain underlying inflation at 2 to 3 per cent, on average, over time. Through the Accord the ACTU has committed the trade union movement to aggregate wage outcomes which are consistent with achieving that target.  Comment.  The Reserve Bank and its senior officials regularly comment on economic issues. Every three months, the Reserve Bank releases a comprehensive analysis of the state of the economy.  National Saving & Retirement Incomes Policies. SUPERANNUATION.  The Coalition's Position.  - Coalition will retain the Superannuation guarantee and proceed with the 3 per cent employee contribution (John Howard, The Australia I Believe In).  - Coalition will introduce "greater competition and choice in the management of superannuation", (John Howard, The Australia I Believe In).  - Coalition will "allow the introduction @ Savings Accounts by banks and other approved financial institutions" (John Howard, The Australia I Believe In).  LABOR'S POSITION.  The Federal Labor Government has revolutionised Australia's retirement incomes system. In 1983 fewer than 40 per cent of employees had superannuation, today that number is almost 90 per cent.  The Government requires superannuation trustees to seek the best returns for their members. In turn, this promotes vigorous competition between superannuation administrators and fund managers.  Government already allows Banks to offer superannuation through subsidiaries, which are subject to the same trustee obligations and regulations as all other superannuation funds.  Comment.  Open member choice would be an administrative nightmare for employers — an employer would have to make contributions to a multitude of funds according to the individual preferences of its employees. In building up Australia's superannuation system, the Government has been trying to build up a pool of long term investment funds, knowing that this is vital to securing Australia's economic future, as well as maximising retirement incomes. Under the Coalition's proposal to allow open member choice, super funds will have to be prepared to pay out funds to their members who could withdraw at any time. Long-term thinking will come to an end, reducing end benefits for members. Superannuation funds will have to keep liquid reserves — low return cash and securities, or even bank deposits. Short-term thinking, liquidity instead of growth, cash and deposits instead of equity and infrastructure will be the order of the day. The Coalition has not said whether banks will be obliged to have a trustee structure for their retirement savings accounts. The importance of the trustee arrangements for superannuation cannot be overstated. As well as providing a uniform basis for the prudential regulation of superannuation savings, the trustee arrangements ensure that the investment and management of those savings is undertaken exclusively for the benefit of superannuation fund members, A bank's primary responsibility, on the other hand, is to its shareholders.  National Saving & Retirement Incomes Policies. TAX AND SAVING.  The Coalition's Position.  - The Coalition will provide "tax incentives to build savings" (John Howard, The Australia I Believe In).  - The Coalition will encourage "employee share ownership schemes as a savings option." (John Howard, The Australia I Believe In).  LABOR'S POSITION.  The Government current provides very substantial tax incentives for saving in superannuation.  The Government supports employee share ownership schemes, but does not support the use of these schemes to provide tax rorts for (mainly) highly paid workers.  Comment.  According to an OECD study published in 1994, there is no evidence (hat measures such as those apparently being proposed by the Opposition increase national saving. In fact, there is a very real possibility that such tax breaks may reduce national saving. If the Coalition was to tax only the real interest on savings, the cost to Government revenue in the first year alone would be billions of dollars.  Tax breaks on interest would mainly favour those taxpayers wealthy enough to have significant interest income.  NOTES:  Asset Sates: The Coalition plans to privatise Telstra (see Communications and the Arts). While criticising the Government's treatment of asset sales In the Budget accounts, Coalition politicians have made a series of confusing and contradictory statements about how they would treat the proceeds from selling Telstra, Telstra is set to be the Coalition's election pork-barrel.  Treasury and Finance. CHILD SUPPORT SCHEME.  The Coalition's Position.  "The Coalition supports the concept or child support" (Speakers Notes, p2, Liberal Party:  Nov 1995).  The Coalition will:  — "ensure that the Child Support Agency is more relevant to the needs of custodial and non-custo-dial parents " (The Australia I Believe In. p37, John Howard. Dec 1995).  — "review the operation and management of the Child Support Agency to ensure that it provides a satisfactory level of service." (Letter to member of the public. Peter Costello, 14 September 1'994)  — "ensure that incentives for both parents to participate in workforce are not unpaired" and examine aspects of the child support assessment formula, including "research into the costs of children". (Speakers Notes, p2. Liberal Party, Nov 1995)  — "improve compliance …and widen [the Agency's] enforcement powers". (Speakers Notes, p2. Liberal Party; Nov 1995).  LABOR'S POSITION.  The Federal Labor Government b committed to the welfare of Australian children and established the Child Support Scheme In 1988 as an important part of Its social justice framework. Before the Scheme, only 39% of child maintenance orders were honoured. Under the scheme collection for children increased dramatically (over $400m now, growing to $750m by end decade).  The Federal Labor Government is actively improving the operation of the Scheme.  Interim response to the Joint Select Committee on Certain Family Lew Issues, tabled in March 1995, included many administrative improvements covering compliance, client service, staff training, management and consistency. This forms part of the Agency's broader strategy to improve its operation and effectiveness. The Government remains committed to providing a finall response In the first half of 1996.  Measures announced in the 1995/96 Badges will baud on the administrative improvements announced in March 1995. These changes will make the Scheme fairer and more flexible. This includes commissioning an independent study into the costs of children to enable an evaluation of the child support formula. The Federal Labor Government recently announced increased resources/funding of around $50 million over 1996/7 and 1997/8. These additional funds will allow significant improvements in the operation of the Agency. The Child Support dials' Charter released in January 1996 focuses on improving the Agency's level of service and letting clients know what service and assistance they may expect from the Agency. Provides a set of service standards against which Agency will be held accountable.  Comment  The Charter comes into effect on 1 July 1996. It was the Federal Labor Government that introduced the Child Support Scheme in 1988 to ensure that children with separated parents would be adequately supported. Under the Coalition paying child support was effectively optional Ordinary taxpayers were left paying most of the bill. Under the Federal Labor Government, child support payments under the Scheme provided estimated savings of S 141 million in social security outlays in 1994/95. •  The Coalition simply reaffirms commitments and decisions already made by the Federal Labor Government, with vague promises to make 'improvements'. The Government has taken numerous concrete steps to improve administration and client service.  A re-examination of the formula, as proposed by the Coalition, would duplicate work already done by the Joint Select Committee on Certain Family Law Issues. This is a transfer process —reduced payments by non-custodial parents (which is the implication) necessarily means reduced payments to custodial parents. Alternatively, any changes which improve the position of both custodial and non- custodial parents (750,000 clients at present, growing by 100,000 pa) will involve substantial costs to the Budget. The Federal Labor Government has already allocated funding add commissioned an independent study into the costs of children. The Coalition's commitment to widening the Agency's enforcement powers would see draconian treatment of non-custodial parents. For example, it could mean that Australia would follow the US approach of publicly humiliating non paying non--custodial parents.  Veterans Affairs.  The Coalition's Position.  - The Federal Coalition (is) . . . committed to the welfare of the veterans of Australia . . . and (to) generous, compassionate programmes of support for veterans of all wars in which Australians have fought the Coalition remains strongly committed to the retention of a separate Department of Veterans Affairs " (John Howard: Address to the RSL National Congress, Sept 6 1995).=  - "In Government our key goals will @ ensure that younger veterans of conflicts such as Vietnam are not neglected." (Alexander Downer: The Things That Matter September 1994)  LABOR'S POSITION.  The Government Is committed to a separate Department of Veterans’ Affairs. That commitment is supported by a continual expansion of services to Veterans through the budget and through the development and implementation of innovative and responsive policies. Over the last two budgets the Government has committed an additional $25 million to assist with special issues facing younger veterans such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.  Comment.  The Coalition is largely platitudinous when it comes to veterans. It tacitly supports most of the Government's policies but declines to offer any of its own. It lakes the veteran community for granted.  No real commitment or ideas from the Coalition. More platitudes.