Abbott is changing his tune on WorkChoices just to ‘win an election’: can’t be trusted 19 July, 2010 | Media Release Liberal leader Tony Abbott’s stated position on the reintroduction of WorkChoices changes from minute to minute and shows working Australians cannot trust anything he says. Under questioning on the ABC AM program today, Tony Abbott changed his position on workplace relations from the one he outlined last Saturday which was different again from his May Budget Reply speech. Mr Abbott also this morning admitted on the Ch9 Today Show that it was because he had ‘an election to win’ that he was changing his tune on WorkChoices. On 3AW today Mr Abbott also refused to guarantee there would not be changes to workplace relations if he is elected. ACTU President Ged Kearney said Tony Abbott was flip-flopping on workplace relations because he is desperate to cover up his real intentions. “Tony Abbott wants to bring back as much of WorkChoices as he can get away with. “But he cannot pull the wool over the public’s eyes when it comes to the Coalition’s track record. “Mr Abbott should be judged on what he and his Party did when they were in government. “We know that when the Coalition was last in power they secretly brought in WorkChoices and did all they could to deprive working Australians of their rights. “Deregulation of labour market that gives employers more power is what the Liberals believe in, so why would working people think they would do otherwise if they are elected?” “Under the Coalition we would see a repeat of WorkChoices, with the reintroduction of individual contracts that cut workers’ take home pay and the removal of protection from unfair dismissal. “Mr Abbott and the Liberals are also on the record as wanting to cut the minimum conditions for young workers and cuts to public holiday pay and other basic job conditions. “Many changes that will hurt working Australians can be made through regulations, Ministerial directions or other avenues. “The Coalition simply cannot be trusted on workplace relations. “We know exactly what the Coalition will do if elected – it will be WorkChoices by another name,” said Ms Kearney Contact Details Anaya Latter Ph: 0432 121 636