The IR facts behind the PM's 'truth' - Kenneth Davidson - Opinion

John Howard has always had his ideological list. Some things have taken longer to get up than others. He hasn't got to the abolition of compulsory voting yet - although there have been some minor flurries particularly by his sidekick, Nick Minchin. There have been industrial relations changes before but they have been limited by comparison with what is now planned. What is now planned is happening because he has the power now - power given to him by the majority of Australians to control both the House of Representatives and the Senate. Minority voices with legitimate arguments will be howled down - if not by Liberal Party votes then by taxpayer funded government advertising. There'll be plenty of spin on this wicket and the truth will be flipped as much as a ball from Shane Warne! How pleased will be Howard's masters - the Lords and Ladies of Mammon.