WA: Barnett says he doesn't support nurses going on strike

AAP General News (Australia)
02-17-2005
WA: Barnett says he doesn't support nurses going on strike

West Australian Opposition leader COLIN BARNETT says the state's nurses have a right
to be frustrated by stalled pay talks with the government, but should not go on strike.

But Premier GEOFF GALLOP accuses Mr BARNETT of salivating over the prospect of a nurses'
strike three days before the state election on February the 26th.

The Liberal leader rejects the barb, but refuses to say if he'll try to talk nurses
out of the planned industrial action.

The coalition has already reached an in-principle agreement with the Australian Nursing
Federation over a 14 per cent wage rise, as proposed by the Australian Industrial Relations
Commission.

It's also promising $50 million over three years for better nursing conditions.

AAP RTV hq/hn/wz/rt

KEYWORD: POLLWA ANF BARNETT (PERTH)

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