NSW: Union warns about globalisation policies

AAP General News (Australia)
02-12-2001
NSW: Union warns about globalisation policies

SYDNEY, Feb 12 AAP - The shock election result in Western Australia should send a message
to all political parties that voters would not tolerate being sacrificed in globalisation,
a union said today.

Speaking in Sydney at a protest against World Trade Organisation (WTO) policies, the
Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union's (CFMEU) national secretary John Maitland
said Australian voters were tired of coming second to international rulings.

Mr Maitland said Australians would not tolerate governments which did not protect their
own civilians before signing up to international agreements.

He warned that other political parties could experience the same crushing defeat as
WA's Coalition.

"There is a round of elections in Australia this year which sees most states go to
elections," Mr Maitland told protesters outside the NSW parliament.

"There's no doubt in my mind that if governments don't come forward with policies that
show they are prepared to protect their citizens from the unfair and exploitative sort
of globalisation that's taking place now they will not be returned to power."

Mr Maitland said the warning was given equally to Liberal and Labor governments.

"No government currently anywhere in the world can feel comforted by the fact that
they come to power on a protest vote," he said.

"They have to understand that there is a great deal of concern in the community.

"Most people feel that they have not received any benefits from the unprecedented growth
that has taken place worldwide and within Australia.

"Most people feel insecure, they feel that their family is insecure and they are ready
to throw governments out that won't listen to the people in this regard."

Labor devastated the coalition government in Saturday's election, picking up at least
five more than the 11 seats it needed to win - an effort made easier with One Nation preferences
directed away from sitting members.

AAP jw/rp/ns/sb

KEYWORD: POLLWA CFMEU

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