As predicted by the Coalition, Labor’s new OH&S laws have turned volunteers into workers, effectively destroying the tradition of Australian volunteerism as we know it.

Local sports clubs, scout groups, surf lifesaving clubs and community organisations will now be burdened by strict regulations accompanied by harsh punishments for non-compliance.

In November last year, the Coalition’s spokesman on workplace relations, Senator Eric Abetz, raised concerns in the Parliament about the e...

The Government has failed to include any funding for a National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in the Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook (MYEFO) mini-budget.

The Opposition had called on the Government to back its words with dollars in the mini-budget.

The only mention of an NDIS in MYEFO is the $9.7 million for technical work the Government has already stated it will re-direct from existing departmental programs and activities.[1]

Australians with disability and their famil...

A final Productivity Commission report today confirmed the worst possible pre Christmas news for Australian families already labouring under increasing cost-of-living pressures.

The report expects that, due to new Gillard Government reforms on childcare, in 2012…

- Childcare fees will rise by up to 15%

- Some parents will be forced to quit the workforce as a result.

- Not enough qualified staff will be available to meet new Government benchmarks.

Shadow Minister ...

Unlike the Migration Review Tribunal and the Social Security Appeals Tribunal, the Veterans' Review Board is not excluded from the increased Efficiency Dividend.

Shadow Minister for Veterans' Affairs, Senator the Hon. Michael Ronaldson, said the Minister for Veterans' Affairs must immediately clarify the Veterans' Review Board's future position.

"The outcome of reduced funding may lead to increased waiting times for appeals to be heard and matters settled", Senator Ronaldson said.

"...

It is encouraging that the Prime Minister has announced the establishment of an agency to design the launch of the National Disability Insurance Scheme, but the detail that is needed to show a real commitment to an NDIS is still missing.

The Government’s announcement of $10 million towards setting up an agency to design the launch of an NDIS is welcome, but the Government has yet to identify a funding envelope or timeline for the scheme as a whole.

The NDIS as proposed by the Productivity Co...