I think it is worth noting that even independant statutory agencies are not immune from political interference. Appoint a "mate" to the top job as the Howard government have been doing in spades in the IR area, also starve a recalcitrant agency of funds - think of OSH, or workers compensation or environmental management regimes under some State Coalition Governments.

In the end agencies like OWS are limp enforcers of bad laws. Only Unions can properly defend workers, and oppose and change anti worker laws.

Of course we need to have independent groups, but they are notoriously difficult to institute - either they are independent, and when they make criticisms of the government they are reined in (note the ABC here, can anyone say, Albrechtsen?) or they are merely mouthpieces.

How exactly do you determine independence? I'd agree freeing those in charge from ministerial interference is a good place to start, but exactly who are they accountable to?

Do we then form a panel, like the ABC? that's worked in the past, but the Federal Government is quite determined to put an end to it, and they're making some solid strides toward that end.

Or do we simply put them in the position for a set term, and let them get on with it? What if they're grossly incompetent?

These are issues that need to be carefully considered.

Having OWS review what has taken place in workplaces is a bit like having Dracula audit a bloodbank. Mr Howard has stated that Unions are wrong about employees being summarily dismissed. We have already seen how Intelligence Agencies have provided information that Governments wanted; WRONG information. DIMIA is another example of the electorate being provided bad information until they were caught out.

Mr Howard has not commented on other matters though where AWAs have taken hard earnt benefits from workers. Australian workers are hurting at present with interest rates continuing to go up, petrol prices going up; and workers losing pay and benefits through AWAs, or just waiting for this to occur.

Australia is a wonderful country; its a pity that we have politicians of such low stature as those in the Coalition, except for just a few exceptions.

We used to have an independent statutory group, it was called:

the Australian Industrial Relations Commission

it wasn't perfect, but compared to the OWS it was autonomous and, at least, aimed for fair workplace conditions. The OWS is a 'claytons' organisation by comparison.

Haven't heard anything from Beazley about disbanding the OWS and reinstating the AIRC.

Nicholas Wilson CEO of the OWS is a Lib. through and through. Check out the lackeys CV if there is any doubt. Employer Peak Bodies, and Lib (State & Federal)appointments.
A fellow traveller with SDP O'Callahan, Des Moore etc etc.
Dont even dream of even handedness.