I hope KD is right about the Australian difference. But something else is happening at the same time. That is a tremendous weakening of the right to strike, comparable to the passage of the Taft-Hartley act in the U.S. in the 50's. It is worth remembering that passage of Taft-Hartley provoke anger and large demonstrations, but ended up sticking and gradually eroding labors power in the U.S. One of the points was that thereafter, even when the Democrats were in control they were not interesting rolling back such a great blow against labor. Question; I know that Australian Labor, though not as right wing as the U.S. democrats has a strong neo-liberal streak. If they get back into office, are you sure they will roll back either the IR or the anti-strike provisions? Cause if not, you may have just seen a permanent change. -- Please note: Personal messages should be sent to [garlpublic] followed by the [at] sign with isp of [comcast], then [dot] and then an extension of net