Casey forums focus on the workplace

Jim Mynard
CASEY Council has invited residents and business interests to attend a series of discussion forums on the Federal Government’s new industrial relations legislation.
A letter to the Casey Business Development Group (CBDG) said the forums were an opportunity for the people to hear the views of the government, opposition, political parties and the ACTU.
The letter said the forum would also provide feedback to the council on the views of the community.
Casey mayor Kevin Bradford will convene the forums, which will be held in five locations around the City of Casey.
The 8pm forums will be on Thursday, 16 March at the council chamber, Magid Drive, Narre Warren; Monday, 3 April, The Shed, Eumemmerring College Gleneagles Campus, corner of Hanna Drive and Reema Boulevard, Endeavour Hills; Wednesday, 19 April, Arthur Wren Community Hall, Stuart Avenue, Hampton Park; Thursday, 18 May, Old Shire Offices, corner High and Sladen streets, Cranbourne; and Thursday, 1 June, at Berwick Leisure Centre, Manuka Road, Berwick, next to Berwick Secondary College.
The format of the forums will be for a representative of the government or organisation supporting the legislation to speak first followed by a representative of a political party or organisation opposed to the legislation.
Each speaker will be given 15 minutes to address the audience.
Questions from the audience can be asked of either speaker through the mayor.
A second speaker for and a second speaker against the legislation will speak, each for 15 minutes, and questions to either of them will follow through the chair.
The letter said it was hoped to have as speakers a representative from the Liberal Party and one from another party or organisation supporting the legislation paired with a member of the ALP and a representative of the ACTU or organisation against the legislation at each venue.