The proposed IR reforms to the NSW public service has ignited a war of words between premier Barry O’Farrell and opposition leader John Robertson.

 

Mr. Robertson has labeled Mr. O’Farrell’s reforms as ‘worse than Workchoices’ after the premier announced the proposed legislation to allow the State to determine the pay and conditions of public servants.

 

The legislation, which was introduced to parliament on May 24, will, if passed, allow the government to stipulate the pay and conditions, including leave, of all public servants. The move would strip the federal Industrial Relations Commission of its independent power to decide on pay and conditions.