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 About Us  About Unions NSWAbout UnionsWho's WhoInformation Centre What's Going On? Annual Reports   
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Michael Costa - Secretary
Resignation of Peter Sams
Peter joined the Labor Council in 1982, initially as an organiser, progressing to Assistant Secretary in 1989. He then went on to become Secretary in 1992. Peter brought to the position a refreshing and pragmatic approach to political issues and was well regarded by fellow unionists, politicians of all persuasions and employer groups. During his four and a half years in this role, Peter is attributed with bringing together the industrial and political ends of the Labor movement. He has also been a key figure in securing significant benefits for employees on major infrastructure projects, such as the Sydney Harbour Tunnel and the Homebush Olympic site. Peter always showed strong support for an autonomous Industrial Relations Commission and during the early 1990's when the Commission's power was under attack, Peter was one of the first to voice his opposition to changing what was, and is, a workable system for industrial justice. So it could not be a more appropriate career move. He now becomes part of the system he fought so hard to retain. His colleagues will miss his even handedness, political astuteness, and, not the least, his keen sense of humour. His second to none skills in advocacy will serve him well in his new role. All Labor Council staff and delegates thank Peter for his outstanding commitment and dedication and wish him well in his future endeavours. As a consequence of Peter's resignation, I resigned from the position of Assistant Secretary to contest the vacancy of the Secretary's position and John Robertson resigned from the position of Executive Officer to contest the vacancy of the Assistant Secretary's position. Both John and I were elected unopposed to our positions on 18th June, 1998. New Officers
The appointment of the new Officers reflected my commitment to continue the process of ensuring that Labor Council Officers reflect the diverse range of outlooks and opinions of affiliated unions. The Labor Council is most effective when its Officers are selected on the basis of their skills and abilities. The Labor Council has, over a number of years, played an important role nationally in encouraging debate and discussion in the labour movement. Having Officers which reflect the broadest range of views is the key to our ongoing success.
FinancesThe Labor Councils financial position remains sound. The management account result was as anticipated. During the year Sustentation Fees received increased by $45,488 over the previous year. Costs were kept in check, with salaries and allowances decreasing by $32,915 over the previous year. With renegotiation of leases and new tenants paying rent at a higher market level, total rents increased by $31,431 and this trend will continue in the ensuing year. In accordance with historic practice, the surplus for the year provides funds to cross subsidise the shortfall of the management account. This cross subsidisation ensures that Labor Council affiliations remain at the lowest level possible. As part of the year 2000 compliance audit, all functions requiring timing, such as elevators and security systems have been, or will be, upgraded by 31 December, 1999. An additional $120,000 has been set aside to ensure that future capital expenditures are properly funded. Trades Hall
CurrawongCurrawong still continues to operate at a loss. The deficit for 1997/1998 was $26,726.00 - an improvement of the previous year, which was $37,064.00. During the year Labor Council expended nearly $200,000 on the construction of a training facility for the Trade Union Training Authority. Courses have been held in the facility and the reaction of participants has been extremely favourable. However, we are still receiving complaints about inadequate residential accommodation for course participants. In an attempt to address this issue, discussions were held with Corporate Renaissance Pty Limited with a view to joint usage of the Currawong site. The proposal calls for the construction of three eco-friendly pavilions to be used for accommodation and training facilities, with demolition of eight of the nine existing cottages, the retention of heritage listed Midholme and the blue cottage, and a refurbishment of the Manager's cottage. Under the proposal 5,500 room nights would be available for training and recreational usage. Trade unionists would be able to use an improved facility at a greater level, than is the case today. Vigorous discussions have taken place with all parties concerned with the proposal and, at the Labor Council meeting held on Thursday, November 5, 1998, it was agreed that opponents to the proposal would have a three month period to consider and present alternate proposals. Commitment to TrainingLabor Council's commitment to TUTA, both in terms of direct support and support of its training activities, reflects the Council's commitment to a refocusing of the activities of the union movement towards organising. During 1999, an Executive Planning Day will be held to examine the services, activities and structure of the Labor Council to ensure that the organising priority is met. 2KY & 2HD
During the year a proposal to dispose of shares held in 2HD Broadcasters Pty Limited was considered. The original proposal did not proceed, however, and a second proposal is now being considered. During the year, eight transmitters were installed in Central Western NSW and that completed the rollout in that area for Racing Radio. With the establishment of the Central West transmitters supplied by satellite, it is now a practical proposition to extend the hours of operation by producing live Racing Radio Breakfast Programs and a computerised Racing Radio Overnight Country Music program. Additionally, it was agreed that a trial digital broadcast using the Eureka 147 Digital System would take place. This means that Radio 2KY is one of the first stations in Australia on the digital network. A Hirschenn transmitter and Itis multiplexer were purchased and installed. Test broadcasting commenced in December 1998. Political and Industrial CampaignsThe Labor Council was active during the federal election campaign, with a particular focus on the divisive policies of One Nation. Labor Council produced advertising material which focused on Pauline Hanson's support for the federal government's Workplace Relations Act, 1996. Following polling and research conduced by the Council, advertising was targeted to areas where the greatest impact could be made. The poor performance of One Nation in traditional Labor areas reflects the efforts of the Labor Council and affiliates in exposing One Nation's appalling record in protecting workers' rights.
On the industrial front, there have been a number of significant events. Labor Council's efforts in the area of protecting workers' privacy at the workplace have been rewarded by the introduction of the Workplace Video Surveillance Act, 1998. This Act comes into effect from February 1, 1999, and breaks new ground in protecting workers' rights to privacy. This will be followed, in 1999, by action to protect private e-mail communication. OlympicsThe Olympics and Olympic related projects were prime focuses of the industrial staff. The Labor Council's efforts in this area will be a contributing factor in the successful staging of the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games. Other ResponsibilitiesAdditionally, I held a number of positions during the year; Delegate to the ACTU Executive and ACTU Council, Member of the Advisory Board of the Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research, Member of the Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs External Reference Group: Review of the Points Test, Managing Director of Radio 2KY, Director of 2KY Broadcasters, Director of 2KY Marketing Pty Limited, Director of NSW Race Narrowcasts, Director of Airsales Pty Limited, Director of Chifley Financial Services Limited, Director of Chifley Operating Services Pty Limited, Director of Pacific Power, Director of Sydney Water Corporation, Director of Totalcare Industries Limited and Director of the WorkCover Authority of NSW.
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