CRUCIAL ELECTION FOR WORKING FAMILIES

14 October 2007

SA Unions  says two and a half years of community campaigning provides a strong basis for a change of government and the abolition of unfair work laws at the November 24 election.

SA Unions Secretary, Janet Giles says South Australia will play a pivotal role in the election outcome.

With 3 very marginal government seats - Kingston, Makin and Wakefield - and another two that could fall - Sturt and Boothby - this state holds about a third of the total seats that must change hands for Howard to be defeated.

Ms Giles says :

"Working families have been under attack since the Howard Government took control of the Senate in July 2005.  Since then, the community has been campaigning to protect their work rights."

"This election is the opportunity for working families to get rid of these unfair laws once and for all.  We urge all Australians to consider this issue when they're voting."

"This election is a choice between Howard's bad laws which disadvantage ordinary working families and make it harder to keep their head above water, or fair laws which balance the rights of workers with the needs of business.  Our social and economic future is at stake."

"The Your Rights at Work community campaign will be at the forefront during this election.  Hundreds of ordinary citizens - workers, their families, retirees, churches, sporting and community clubs - have thrown their support behind the Your Rights at Work campaign because they believe in fairness."

"Anyone who has been hurt by or disagrees with these unfair laws now has the chance to get rid of them at the polling booth.  We urge ordinary South Australian voters to ensure their vote is a vote for fair work rights in the best interests of this state, and this nation."