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Abstract

It is dificult to argue with Hawke's contention that indigenous Australians have not benefited significantly from the previous industrial relations regime. Indeed, my original article documented the historical lack of articulation of indigenous interests within the system (Hunter 1997a). The aim of that article was to inform readers of the potential risks of the Workplace Relations Act 1996 for a disadvantaged group with little bargaining power in the labour market, rather than to argue that it would necessarily lead to worse outcomes. This rejoinder addresses Hawke's main arguments with that paper and reflects on the need for further research into one of the most disadvantaged sectors of the industrial relations system. Nevertheless, it concludes that the risks of exacerbating this disadvantage are palpable and the prospects for improving indigenous experience of employment in a more deregulated system are circumscribed.

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References

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Realism Revisited: a Reply To Hawke's Alternative View

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