12 September 2005
The Howard Government's controversial workplace relations legislation, due to be tabled in Federal Parliament next month, may lead to widespread industrial polarisation and potential violence, a Monash University academic has said.
Dr David Baker, Senior Lecturer in Criminal Justice and Criminology, said the changes could threaten the current strategy of dealing with large-scale industrial disputes such as the Australian waterfront dispute of 1998, using a low-key, non-confrontational and consultative approach.
"The approach adopted in the waterfront dispute limited the possibilities of violence," he said.
"The question must be asked whether this modern policing strategy will remain in place for future large-scale industrial contests, given the widespread criticisms by conservative, right-wing think-tanks and certain sections of the Liberal and National parties of non-interventionist policing of Industrial disputes.
"The general Australian policing philosophy today is to manage, through negotiation and violence minimisation strategies, rather than repress industrial conflict. The same principle is applied to the control of demonstrations, protests and rallies.
"That said, police are experiencing greater difficulty in dealing with diffuse and disorganised anti-globalisation demonstrators than with unionists pursuing articulated goals. The liaison that has developed between police and the labour movement, albeit at times a precarious one, may well be tested in the light of the proposed new legislation," Dr Baker said.
The issues are explored in his new book Batons and Blockades: Policing Industrial disputes in Australasia (published by Circa), to be launched by Mr Leigh Hubbard, former secretary of the Victorian Trades Hall Council, at 5pm on Monday, 12 September.
The launch is being hosted by Monash's Centre for Research on Work and Society in the Global Era (WAGE). Copies of Dr Baker's new book will be available for purchase and signing at the launch.
Launch notes
What: Batons and Blockades: Policing Industrial Disputes in Australasia by David Baker. Launched by Leigh Hubbard, former secretary of the Victorian Trades Hall Council
When: Monday, 12 September, at 5pm
Where: Monash Conference Centre, Level 7, 30 Collins Street, Melbourne
Further information, contact Dr David Baker, Monash University, on +61 3 9903 2819, or Ms Karen Stichtenoth, Media Communications on +61 3 9905 1253.
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