The Transitions Bill went before Parliament today – the first step in the rolling back of the very unpopular Work Choices. The changes proposed today will get rid of Australian Workplace Agreements …something that will please most unions as AWAs have been a major factor undermining many unions, particularly in the Mining industry. Unions particualrly the public sector union where AWAs were heavily used have welcomed the news but the Business Council of Australia says it is watching carefully and concerned that flexibility will be affected if AWAs go.

The big unanswered question in yesterday’s apology to the Stolen Generation was whether there will be any form of financial compensation. Sure Prime Minister Rudd has promised a lot of money will be put into housing and education but to some the apology needs to be accompanied by money. One way this could happen without the need for lawyers and expensive court cases could be the setting up of a Reparations Tribunal. It’s an idea that’s worked in other countries and one that was heavily discussed in Australia just after the original Bringing them Home report came out … Alexis Goodstone is principal solicitor at the Public Interest Advocacy Centre and back in 2001 she worked on a proposal for a reparations tribunal – she explained to me how it would work in practice.

“How Good Are You” is the name of a book just released on ethical consumerism. The book, written by Julian Lee, delves into the nitty gritty of ethics in a wide range of subjects including investment, cleaning products, food and corporate management. It’s the complete guide to being ethical when you consume, knowing your product and asking the right questions.

As Australia divides down the middle on the issue of whether or not to plant genetically modified crops, two Canadian farmers are touring the country warning farmers here about their bad experiences.