I do hope the ALP pick these suggestions up. That would keep the coalition in power for ever.

What about freedom? If a man is willing and able to work more than 35 hours per week to provide a better life for his family, the government has no place telling him he may not. If a parent feels their child is being failed by the local public school, they should be free to send their child to a school that better serves them. (Interestingly, most parents who do exercise this choice do so because of the way the school teaches and the values it instils rather that the resources at its disposal. No service has ever been improved through the removal of competition.) If I decide not to spend money on total health care coverage, the government has no right to compel me to do so.

Even if the idea of individual freedom is dismissed, the inescapable reality is that social democracy has failed. The author insists that following the French model could cure what ails our society. However, in recent months, France has been rocked by the discontent and anger of long-term unemployed, migrants who are locked out of the labour market by overregulation and denied an opportunity to improve their lot. Now France is in the midst of rioting in response to moderate labour market liberalisation. In spite of 20%+ youth unemployment, the young of France insist that their first job be a job for life. This is the inevitable consequence of social democracy: it ingrains a sense of entitlement and this in turn leads to death of personal responsbility.

The suggestion that this abstract condition of "alienation" can be alleviated by robbing people of their freedom and subjecting them to the same bureacracy is absurd. Fortunately, it is also politically unaplatable in this country and, if persisted with, will be the death of the Labor left-faction.

Bring on the "Third Way" the ALP began it's life as a party representing the working class. These days if a couple have a microvave, and a car under five years old, some consider themselves to be middle class, what a bloody joke. Do they still have to get out of bed to go to "work" like the rest of the "working class" the answer is yes.

It is about time the average person woke up to themselves, these current benefits have come to them via the union movement, fronting Industrial Courts for generations. That has temporarily disappeared, thanks to the eh..supposed middle class, let's see how they do now, as they can be sacked at the drop of a hat, will they become even more {is it possible} subservient {crawlers} to their bosses?

Ah it's a tangled web we weave, good luck suckers, you're going to need it....

SHONGA,
The increased prosperity of all Australians (including the working class) is a result of economic growth - not the union movement. This economic growth can only be sustained with increased liberalisation of the labour market. As superficially appealing as a regulated labour market is, it does not deliver prosperity or security - see the experience of continental Europe.

On the issue of unfair dismisal, you have overlooked three key points:
1. The revocation of these laws is expected to generate 50,000+ jobs in small and medium size business. (Interesting that you should make no mention of the unemployed in your post.)
2. Most employers are good and decent people - they dont fire people on a whim. Even if the employer is driven strictly by profit, there is no incentive for them to sack good employees only to have to hire and retrain a new, untested employee.
3. Employees can leave a business any time they receive a better offer. Given employers have businesses that need to be maintained and contractual obligations to fulfil, this can be quite burdensome upon them. Yet there is no great push for unfair resignation laws.

Fundamentally, the fanatical opposition to the government's reforms are driven by a warped view of the world. Employers are seen as rich, callous fat cats that exploit their employees at every opportunity. Employees are seen as powerless and entirely dependent upon union bureaucrats. The reality is quite different. Most business owners are ordinary people trying to make a go of it like anyone else. Quite often their homes and entire livelihoods are tied up with the fate of their business. They do not see their employees as a simple resource to be exploited but rather as the key to the success of their business. Most employees enjoy an amicable relationship with their bosses and will be more than capable of negotiating just conditions of employment.

The opposition of the ACTU and AWU to the reforms is more related to their desire to maintain power and political sway than the welfare of ordinary people.

Unions are out, as is unskilled labour in this country.

Unions cost you a fortune, you might get a BBQ every now and then, but we dont need them as they are hardline and effect the prosperity of all.

Society has changed but unions have not, thats why they are a dying breed. In 20 years a union will be simply a tool for the not so savvy to protect themselves.....glorified insurance.

Were it not for the union movements we never would have had a 40 hour week, let alone the prospect of a 35 hour week. Anyone is better off with the strength collective bargaining offers as opposed to the isolation and vulnerability that results from individual contracts. Those worst affected will be casual workers and contract labour - without the strength of organisation or stability of employment. If anything, we need to ammend the law to make it easier for unions to take industrial action. Issues are raised, such as the sacking of shop stewards, in between enterprise agreements. Unions need to be able to respond to changing circumstances. So much for 'flexibility'.

Anyway, though, I'd be interested in knowing how readers feel about any expansion of the social wage via increased education and Medicare funding. At the moment the ALP is attacking the government for failing to embrace 'real tax reform'. And yet any substantial tax cuts will bite into the surplus and take away desperately needed funds the ALP needs to restore services in health, tertiary education, secondary education and infrastructure. It's about time someone questioned the logic of infinite tax cuts - especially tax cuts so obviously directed towards the 'top end of town'.

Tristan