Fed: Abbott says beware of ACTU Inc

AAP General News (Australia)
08-20-2001
Fed: Abbott says beware of ACTU Inc

CANBERRA, Aug 20 AAP - Australians were unlikely to want an ACTU-Labor Inc government
at federal level and in most states and territories, Workplace Relations Minister Tony
Abbott said today.

Commenting on Labor's shock poll upset in the Northern Territory, Mr Abbott said the
Country-Liberal Party in the NT had provided good government for 27 years but even the
best governments ran out of puff.

He said everyone from Kim Beazley down admitted the poll was fought largely on local
issues and the "it's time" factor was obviously operating .

"If the Howard government lasts for 27 years I suspect there might be an "it's time"

factor for us too," he told reporters.

"I think there is really a warning for Labor because Australians are unlikely to want
to see ACTU Labor Inc in charge everywhere.

"What people I think are slowly beginning to understand is that the Labor Party is
the political wing of the ACTU. Do they really want ACTU Labor Inc government?

"Do they really want Kim Beazley, Simon Crean, Martin Ferguson and Jennie George running
the show in Canberra as well as in almost all the states and territories."

Mr Abbott said the federal Liberal parliamentary party's position on the issue of not
allocating preferences to One Nation was very clear.

"We came to a position some time ago and we have no intention of changing it." he said.

AAP mb/ph/br

KEYWORD: POLLNT ABBOTT

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