Page 514 - Week 02 - Thursday, 14 May 1992
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the institution. Recent reforms in New Zealand provide a great deal of experience from which the Liberal party here can learn. A major aspect, of course, relates to the militancy of teacher unions. Again, a Liberal sponsored discussion paper on the subject would be timely and would enable you to lead the debate.
• The Racing Industry. We are shortly to complete a major study on the racing industry (gallops, trots and dogs) for State and Territory Racing Ministers. It will be the most comprehensive of its type ever undertaken in Australia. Apart from measuring the size and importance of the industry and its linkages to the rest of the economy, the exercise has given us insights. into the .way racing operates and is controlled: It is not a happy picture. Even in Canberra there are plenty of examples of waste, lack of competition, and power plays which are not in the interests of patrons or taxpayers. At the appropriate time, we would be happy to provide you with
a briefing.
Contracting Out. The Liberal party should start work now in identifying opportunities where the contracting out of government services should occur. There are no shortage of examples. In some instances attempts initiated by the Alliance Government were subsequently reversed. You should draw more attention to them as well as identifying new ones printing for instance. Quantifying the extent of consumer/taxpayer benefits is, of course, the key.
• Land Development. Presumably the Liberal party will be strongly opposing any suggestion of a return to government-run land development in the ACT. Apart from being inefficient, more costly and more time consuming, it sends exactly the wrong type of signal to the community about the future direction for the ACT. But dont merely put out press statements. What is needed is more detailed analysis of the effects. The industry should be able to assist in this. Without it your opposition, given the composition of the Assembly, will count for nought.
• Land Tenure. A colleague is a wise maker near Bungendore. The industry there and near Murrembateman is referred to as the Canberra wine region. Ironically, there are no grapes grown or wine produced in the ACT itself. The absence of secure land tenure manes this -too risky. This and related examples could be used to help establish the case for reform.
• Industrial Relations. Whether or not the union movement nationally is becoming more responsible or realistic is debatable. My view is: perhaps, but far too slowly. Within the ACT there is little evidence for encouragement. The TLC is far too powerful and too entrenched in positions of authority. The public sector unions hold far too much sway. The fact that strikes may be less common than they once were is no necessary proof that things have improved - just that there is little resistance anymore. Examples abound - e.g., union influence and fl"j;.
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