Media release - Bishop raises workchoices legislation concerns

Bishop raises workchoices legislation concerns

Friday 4 November 2005

The Anglican Bishop of Tasmania, the Right Reverend John Harrower, has added his signature to a statement by Australian Bishops regarding the Federal Government's changes to industrial relations legislation currently before the Parliament.

View the statement (PDF file)

Bishop Harrower said, 'I join with other Australian Bishops in asking for more time to examine some areas of concern in the current legislation, as the short time frame to assess it may prevent a proper examination.'

'As a Church leader, I am concerned with the potential impact of some aspects of this legislation on the most vulnerable in our society.

'Whilst my concerns are not based on any party-political leaning, my faith requires that I seek to reconcile economic demands with the nation's common good. As a relatively rich society, we can afford to be generous with the vulnerable.'

Before serving as a church leader, Bishop Harrower previously studied economics at tertiary level, and worked in the field of government economic policy as a Director of Research with the Industries Assistance Commission.

Contact

Rev. David Rietveld 0412 777 836