The Federal Governemnet says there is no conflict of interest in its appointment of the vice-president of Mission Australia to chair the interim board of the Government's job agency, Employment National. Trying to see a doctor after normal business hours, without waiting in a casualty department at an over-crowded public hospital is the stuff of nightmares for many people. The Doctors Reform Society has welcomed the scheme - saying it is a great example of GPs pulling together to find logical solutions. But vice-president of the Society, Dr Con Costa, says trials like this should be only the beginning of changes to the delivery of primary health care. One of the most contentious areas of law is that of anti-discrimination.
Few areas cause so much confusion or frustration in the community.
The New South Wales Law Reform Commission has released the results of a mammoth review of the state's Anti-Discrimination Act, the first since it was passed into law 22 years ago. Following an extensive investigation and inquiry process - a Parliamentary Committee recommended the code of conduct be enforced through legislation. But the Federal Government says it prefers to pursue fairer competition by self-regulation and the appointment of an industry Ombudsman. The retail grocery office will liaise between industry stakeholders to oversee concerns that the major chains are too predatory - forcing small independent grocers out of the market. The organisation representing independent retail grocers warns more small businesses will go to the wall as a result of the Federal Government's decision.