The Wire

Today marks the first day the Government has a majority in both houses of Parliament. It gives the Liberal Party a massive opportunity to pass bills formerly difficult to get through to legislation, which includes significant changes in industrial relations. In Adelaide today, almost a hundred low-paid workers, clutching home-made sandwiches, caught a charter bus into the city and gathered a protest outside the function room at which Federal Treasurer Peter Costello was expected to enjoy a free meal. For all the fuss, it was over in a matter of minutes with Mr Costello driven to the door and ushered hastily inside without comment. But protest coordinator, John Wishart, says Prime Minister John Howard is taking notice.