It’s been reported that the largest 900 Australian companies save $25 billion a year through a range of tax exemptions and write-offs for research and development. As Fairfax pointed out, this ‘sum would wipe out two thirds of the current deficit at a stroke’. So why are our politicians and bureaucrats so easily outwitted by the multi-nationals? If the corporations are taking advantage of loopholes in the law, why haven’t those loopholes be closed by our lawmakers, the Australian government?

40-odd years ago Australia was considered a workers' paradise. After hard-won battles, unions had seen legislation gradually introduced for paid sick leave, paid annual leave and paid public holidays, as well an eight hour day and penalty rates for those called on to give up time with their families to work on Sundays and public holidays. It's hard to believe that we have given up so much without a fight.

Employers are lobbying for penalty rates to be reduced. Again. When the Australian Industry Group’s chief executive, Innes Willox, was interviewed recently by the Australian, he claimed that, whenever penalty rates are mentioned, the ‘unions love to talk about nurses and firemen’, whereas the current debate is about penalty rates in the retail, fast food and restaurant industries.