Labor （6do encyclopedia）

[brief (簡報編譯)]

Introduction
Labor refers to the physical and mental effort put in by an individual in order to produce goods or services. Labor is a crucial factor of production, along with land and capital, and is essential for the growth and development of any society. The history of labor goes back centuries, from the peasants working on the farms to the industrial revolution, and has now evolved into a much more diverse and complex field.

Types of Labor
There are primarily two types of labor – skilled and unskilled labor. Skilled labor refers to the specialized work that requires a certain level of expertise, education, and training, such as doctors, lawyers, IT professionals, and engineers. Unskilled labor, on the other hand, refers to work that is low-paying and requires little or no formal education or specialized training, such as farm laborers, construction workers, and general laborers.

Labor Market
The labor market refers to the exchange of labor between employers and employees. The labor market can be divided into two categories – formal and informal. The formal labor market refers to the organized sector where workers have a contract with employers, are paid wages or salaries, and receive benefits such as health insurance, pensions, and other statutory benefits. The formal sector is usually regulated by the government through labor laws. The informal sector, on the other hand, refers to the unorganized sector where workers do not have a contract with employers and work on a payment basis, without any benefits or job security.

Working Conditions
Working conditions refer to the environment in which employees work. Working conditions can differ depending on the type of job and industry. Working conditions can be affected by a number of factors such as workload, work hours, safety, and remuneration. Workers are entitled to certain rights and protections under labor laws. These laws ensure that workers are protected from exploitation and are paid fair wages for their work.

Unions and Collective Bargaining
Unions are organizations formed by workers to represent their interests and safeguard their rights. Unions negotiate with employers on terms and conditions of employment through collective bargaining. The main objectives of unions are to improve working conditions, wages, and benefits for workers. Union membership is voluntary, and workers have the right to form and join unions under labor laws.

Labor Market Policies
Governments can influence the labor market through labor market policies. These policies aim to improve worker welfare, reduce unemployment, and promote economic growth. Some common labor market policies include minimum wages, unemployment benefits, job training, and employment protection laws. These policies can have positive or negative effects on the labor market, and their effectiveness will depend on various factors such as the economic climate, labor market structure, and the effectiveness of implementing institutions.

Labor and Globalization
Globalization has had a significant impact on the labor market. Increased trade has led to greater specialization and a demand for skilled workers. At the same time, outsourcing and offshoring have negatively impacted unskilled workers in developed countries. Globalization has also led to increased competition in the labor market, putting downward pressure on wages and benefits.

Conclusion
Labor is an essential factor of production, and the labor market plays a crucial role in the growth and development of any society. As the world becomes more interconnected, the labor market will continue to evolve and adapt to changing circumstances. Labor laws and policies will need to be updated and adjusted to keep up with these changes and ensure that workers are protected and their rights are safeguarded.

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[brief (簡報編譯)]

‘Grotesque abuses’: Secret review of migration system scathing of failures

The Sydney Morning Herald

23-05-14 10:30

A secret report has accused Australia of weak enforcement of immigration and visa laws, leaving refugees and human trafficking victims vulnerable. Author of the report, former Victoria Police chief commissioner Christine Nixon, highlighted how the flaws in the nation’s immigration system had allowed criminal organizations engaged in smuggling to thrive. The report identified problems in the Department of Home Affairs, regulatory and enforcement gaps and the fundamental failures of the visa system that allowed exploitation of visa holding migrants. The inquiry was commissioned by Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil. However, it was never published despite promised to release it prior to the budget. The document’s contents have now been leaked to local media.

The report recommended that temporary migrants should be prohibited from working in the sex industry, with immigration and education agents subject to money laundering reforms and better regulation. The Nixon inquiry will add significant pressure on the current administration to address gaps in Australia’s border security. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, who was responsible for Home Affairs under the coalition government, criticized the current Home Affairs Minister accusing her of having a “juvenile and petulant approach.”

Australia has faced increasing scrutiny over its immigration policies and treatment of refugees. Ongoing human rights concerns have been compounded by allegations of exploitation of systematic exploitation of labor in agriculture, food processing and domestic work sectors. Several investigative reports have uncovered a number of high-profile cases involving human trafficking in the country. Also, Australia was criticized in 2018 by the United Nations human rights committee over its mandatory detention policy for asylum seekers.

https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/grotesque-abuses-secret-review-of-migration-system-scathing-of-failures-20230419-p5d1ms.html

[brief (簡報編譯)]

Dementia and the options of dying

The Age

23-05-14 10:00

Several authors have called for changes to Victoria’s voluntary assisted dying legislation, to allow patients with irreversible conditions such as dementia to pre-arrange termination of life if they deteriorate to a certain stage. Jan Newmarch believes people should be allowed to make such decisions while they are still rational, which is difficult under current laws that require less than six months’ life expectancy. Mirna Cicioni suggests people should be able to list specific irreversible conditions after which they would want their lives to be ended, and that this should be written into a legally recognised document such as a will to prevent both discrimination and non-consensual termination of life. Kyle Matheson believes families should become responsible for deciding on treatment for dementia patients and Jill Edwards suggests people should be allowed to make a decision in advance that they want assistance to die should they be diagnosed with irreversible conditions.

Others have also called for people’s rights to be respected in relation to assisted dying. Ange Mackie writes of her distress at her mother’s suffering from vascular dementia and wishes to avoid such an end herself and Ross Churcher argues that people should be able to stipulate their own end-of-life wishes in a formal document to be signed and witnessed, like a will. In the case of the latter, doctors not connected to the patient would have to give their approval for access to assisted dying.

These opinions follow the exclusion of dementia patients in Victoria’s voluntary assisted dying legislation, with suggestions that this group is being discriminated against. It remains a contentious issue with many opposing the concept of voluntary assisted dying, whatever the circumstances or conditions.

https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/dementia-and-the-options-of-dying-20230514-p5d89e.html

[brief (簡報編譯)]

Boy from western Sydney plots generational reform for education

The Sydney Morning Herald

23-05-14 08:30

Jason Clare, the Australian shadow education minister, has vowed to give public schools as much funding as they need and reduce the country's reliance on international students. He hopes to pave the way for policies in the "Labor tradition" of Medicare and superannuation, by making education the government's priority. Clare has commissioned three independent reviews of school funding, universities and early childhood education. All three reports are to make recommendations this year, before the government acts on their suggestions. Clare believes that big reforms within education could change the lives of Australians for decades to come.

https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/boy-from-western-sydney-plots-generational-reform-for-education-20230417-p5d0ye.html

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Freight hubs reviewed as industry urges authorities to ‘make a plan and stick with it’

The Sydney Morning Herald

23-05-14 07:47

The future of interstate freight hubs planned for Melbourne is uncertain, with the federal government reviewing funding for terminals at Truganina and Beveridge. The hubs would connect to the Inland Rail project transporting freight up the east coast. The review has thrown the cost and timeline of the project into limbo, with no indication of its scale, possible lead contractor or timeline. The spokeswoman for Infrastructure Minister Catherine King said there was no new money in the federal budget for either terminal while the 90-day review took place. The discussion over which of the hubs takes priority remains unresolved, with state opposition spokeswoman for freight Roma Britnell stating that she thinks a decade is “a long time” to have no progress.

https://www.smh.com.au/politics/victoria/freight-hubs-reviewed-as-industry-urges-authorities-to-make-a-plan-and-stick-with-it-20230513-p5d843.html

[brief (簡報編譯)]

Turkey's historic vote: The end for Erdogan?

Deutsche Welle

23-05-14 04:51

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has not emerged as the clear favourite in the country's upcoming elections, polling suggests. Official data reveals that around 64 million people are eligible to vote, including 3.5 million living abroad, notably in Germany. However, surveys taken from before candidate Muharrem Ince withdrew from the race earlier this week, indicate that the leading opposition candidate, Kemal Kilicdaroglu, is polling ahead of Erdogan with 49% of votes compared to Erdogan's 45%. Erdogan's AKP party has campaigned on a pledge to eject refugees as soon as possible, a policy also advocated by all other parties except the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP).The opposition, meanwhile, has warned the public about misinformation being presented by government supporters and Erdogan's tendency to label opponents as "godless" or as "supporting terrorism".

https://www.dw.com/en/turkeys-historic-vote-the-end-for-erdogan/a-65607524

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Australian consumer mood bleak in May after surprise rate hike, budget

Reuters

23-05-16 00:33

https://cloudfront-us-east-2.images.arcpublishing.com/reuters/BCTRCVELLRM2VNSO4PZXQJQ4RM.jpg（图片大于 4 MB）

Australian consumer sentiment fell in May due to a surprise interest rate increase from the Reserve Bank of Australia and a "mildly disappointing" federal budget. The Westpac-Melbourne Institute index of consumer sentiment decreased by 7.9% to record pessimism amongst respondents. The RBA increased interest rates because of near 30-year high inflation rates, but Westpac chief economist Bill Evans believes the RBA will sustain ratings because of economic weaknesses, though the risks are evenly balanced. 

https://www.reuters.com/markets/australian-consumer-mood-bleak-may-after-surprise-rate-hike-budget-2023-05-16/

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What voters really think of Labor one year on

The Sydney Morning Herald

23-05-15 23:00

The Australian public has voted in favour of the federal Labor party, with support ratings at 63% while approval ratings of the Coalition are down to 29%. The Resolve Political Monitor surveyed 1,610 eligible voters over the course of intense debates surrounding energy subsidies and government spending in Medicare. However, the percentage of Coalition voters who approve of Labor has increased, and Alabanesse currently holds 53% to 20% in polls against opposition leader Peter Dutton.

https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/what-voters-really-think-of-labor-one-year-on-20230515-p5d8k6.html

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Albanese rules out changes to negative gearing as Dutton goes on the attack

The Sydney Morning Herald

23-05-16 02:04

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has confirmed negative gearing arrangements for investment properties won't be altered until the next national elections, despite a push to restrict the tax benefit. Albanese's party, Labor, made a pledge to leave the tax break untouched ahead of the 2019 elections, but sentiment had shifted in the face of a flagging rental market. The prime minister reportedly told reporters in Melbourne he would not break the commitment. Meanwhile, each of the major political parties sought to criticise their opponents for previous tax proposals as debate on housing policy continued.

https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/albanese-rules-out-changes-to-negative-gearing-as-dutton-goes-on-the-attack-20230516-p5d8nu.html

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China’s Economic Recovery Worries Mount as Data Disappoints

Bloomberg

23-05-16 02:01

China's industrial output and consumer spending in April grew at a slower rate than expected, sparking concerns over the nation's economic recovery. China's industrial production grew 5.6% from the previous year, while retail sales climbed 18.4%, lower than expectations for a 21.9% surge. Economists are questioning whether the nation's central bank will pump more money into the economy in order to spur growth. Despite these latest figures, there are questions over accuracy due to the comparison being made to April 2020, when lockdown measures were on strict.

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-05-16/china-s-economic-data-misses-forecasts-as-recovery-worries-mount?srnd=next-china

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Budget hits consumer confidence, taxes drain shoppers’ spending power

The Age

23-05-16 12:00

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has warned that a higher tax burden, alongside inflation and higher interest rates, has contributed to a decrease in household incomes, affecting consumer spending in the country. The share of household income that goes directly to tax is at a 15.7% high, which is its highest level since the early 2000s when the Howard government was changing the personal income tax system. The slowdown in consumer spending is expected to drop from a predicted 5.75% during 2022-23, to 1.5% next financial year.

https://www.theage.com.au/politics/federal/budget-hits-consumer-confidence-taxes-drain-shoppers-spending-power-20230516-p5d8ss.html

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‘There is a reshuffle on’: Palaszczuk set to shake up cabinet roles

The Sydney Morning Herald

23-05-16 10:21

Australia's Queensland state Premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk, is reportedly planning to undertake a cabinet reshuffle, with changes across several portfolios imminent. Labour sources confirmed that the shake-up is reflective of the party's recent period of intense pressure over issues such as energy, healthcare, and economy. Yvette D’Ath, the current Minister of Health, could potentially be shifted to the position of attorney general in a position swap with Shannon Fentiman, who may be handed the healthcare portfolio.

https://www.smh.com.au/politics/queensland/there-is-a-reshuffle-on-palaszczuk-set-to-shake-up-cabinet-roles-20230516-p5d8w1.html

[brief (簡報編譯)]

Your Wednesday Briefing: Ukraine Says It Shot Down Hypersonic Missiles

NY Times

23-05-16 20:45

Ukrainian officials have claimed that their air defence system intercepted six hypersonic Kinzhal missiles which had been pointed at Kiev, evidence which if confirmed, would suggest the country's ability to shoot down the most advanced weaponry from Russia. Ukraine accused Russia of launching an "exceptional" flurry of missiles and drones at Kiev, but said that it had stopped the Kinzhals. Russia claimed that one missile had hit an American-made Patriot system. This is one of Russia's biggest attacks since March, and Russia's chaotic defence system and lack of resources have failed to improve the country's 15-month war strategies.

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/16/briefing/ukraine-hypersonic-missiles-kyiv.html?searchResultPosition=1

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Catholic trust wins out as Minns moves to solve Sydney’s cemeteries crisis

The Sydney Morning Herald

23-05-16 19:00

The Catholic Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust (CMCT), which is responsible for several of Sydney’s largest burial sites, has declined to present its books to the NSW auditor-general, following a disagreement over the church’s control of public land. In light of this decision, the new Labor government has backed the trust by instituting the “two-operator” system as the favored model for reconciling Sydney’s long-running cemetery dispute. As per the proposal, the CMCT will administer control of up to five major burial sites whilst the government will take charge of the remaining ones after merging them under a single operator. The move marks a significant victory for the trust considering the countless refusals to let the auditor-general examine its books.

The CMCT has been excused from paying income taxes as the organization falls under the not-for-profit category. It has vehemently refused to allow the auditor-general to scrutinize its books because this might jeopardize its status. However, NSW Treasury has stated that the trust is a state-controlled entity responsible for managing crown lands and had pushed for a financial review by the auditor-general. Despite previous government officials making similar requests, and, the fact that a review in the present context seemed inevitable, the CMCT has once again declined. Some lawmakers have voiced concerns around the CMCT’s refusal to comply with the auditor’s requests and the new decision taken by the Labor government.

https://www.smh.com.au/politics/nsw/catholic-trust-wins-out-as-minns-moves-to-solve-sydney-s-cemeteries-crisis-20230516-p5d8tb.html

[brief (簡報編譯)]

CEOs take it lying down for a good cause

The Sydney Morning Herald

23-05-16 19:00

Paul Nicolaou, executive director of Business Sydney, is leading the donations leaderboard for this year's Vinnies CEO Sleepout with $36,256 after Vitamin Melbourne CEO Marcus Blackmore donated $5000 to help Nicolaou reach the $100,000 threshold. Blackmore, who has just agreed to a $1.9bn sale of his family company, has previously bankrolled anti-Indigenous voice groups. Nicolaou has previously raised $130,000 for the homelessness charity, which takes place on 17 June. The politician donations were led by Karl Bitar who contributed $316.50 and former Liberal Transport Minister David Elliott's ex-chief of Staff Tanya Raffoul, who gifted $105.50.

https://www.smh.com.au/cbd/ceos-take-it-lying-down-for-a-good-cause-20230516-p5d8u7.html

[brief (簡報編譯)]

Free electric ferry ‘top priority’ for Sydney’s western harbour

The Sydney Morning Herald

23-05-16 19:00

A free electric ferry to transport people around the Harbour is being proposed by the New Sydney Waterfront Company, an organisation established by the previous government to improve the western harbour precinct. Initially, the free ferry service would link Walsh Bay, Barangaroo, Pyrmont and Blackwattle Bay. The concept is designed to lift the number of foreign tourists travelling west of the bridge. While NRMA trialled a commercial electric ferry service between Barangaroo and Pyrmont, patronage was too low. New Sydney Waterfront Company's Stuart Ayres said the ferry service was "focused on giving commuters and tourists access to our iconic harbour".

https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/free-electric-ferry-top-priority-for-sydney-s-western-harbour-20230516-p5d8oz.html

[brief (簡報編譯)]

Voice support slides again as debate rages over model

The Sydney Morning Herald

23-05-16 18:43

Support for Indigenous Australians' Voice has fallen from 58% to 53% in the last month, according to an exclusive survey conducted by Resolve Strategic. The decline brings doubts over the controversial issue to gain constitutional approval. If the trend continues, the No campaign is likely to gain a majority and win the referendum by August, the report warns. The poll reveals that when voters were asked a "yes or no" question akin to the exact wording planned by the government, 53% supported the idea but 47% opposed it. An additional 18% were undecided. The survey confirms the decreasing trend in support for the Indigenous Voice, raising doubts about what changes can be made to the proposal to secure a greater chance of approval.

https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/voice-support-slides-again-as-debate-rages-over-model-20230516-p5d8t1.html

[brief (簡報編譯)]

Australia gears up for ‘defining decade’ with rare budget surplus

Financial Times

23-05-17 01:19

Australia’s treasurer Jim Chalmers has received criticism from opponents over the country's first budget surplus in 15 years, who claim the economic rebound and surging commodity prices made it an easy feat. Chalmers admitted that the return to balancing the books would only be temporary, with mounting defense, welfare, and energy transition bills to contend with. The country’s net debt position will rise to more than A$700bn by 2027, and concerns remain over how long commodity prices can sustain momentum with China's slowing growth. Observers suggested that more was needed to reshape Australia’s economy, with calls for more fiscal discipline. Danielle Wood, chief executive of the Grattan Institute think-tank, claimed there was a “pretty stubborn gap” between revenue and spending forecasts, requiring further action to address the structural deficit. Spending on defense is expected to rise to more than AUD50bn ($33.51bn) in the 2024 budget year, while the cost of the country’s disability support scheme is anticipated to increase from AUD35bn to AUD56bn in the 2027 budget year.

https://www.ft.com/content/e2dff208-cbeb-419c-b698-66e9eb09f8ec

[brief (簡報編譯)]

Deeming flexes crossbench muscle to shoot down rental inquiry

The Sydney Morning Herald

23-05-17 04:01

Former Liberal MP Moira Deeming has helped to block an inquiry that would scrutinise Victoria’s rental crisis, which would examine the factors behind high rent prices in Victoria, options to increase the supply and standard of long-term rentals and suggest recommendations designed to aid the issue. The inquiry failed after a final vote on a joint Green and Coalition motion showed it was on a tied 19 votes to 19, with Deeming joining with the Andrews government. The political decision came under fire, particularly as almost one-third of Victorians were renters in the 2019-20 financial year.

https://www.smh.com.au/politics/victoria/deeming-flexes-crossbench-muscle-to-shoot-down-rental-inquiry-20230517-p5d8z4.html

[brief (簡報編譯)]

Australia wage growth hits decade-high, quarterly gains miss forecasts

Reuters

23-05-17 02:11

https://cloudfront-us-east-2.images.arcpublishing.com/reuters/4AB32ZNXCZJ2RPDP7GTBIKFDV4.jpg（图片大于 4 MB）

Wages in Australia grew at their fastest annual pace in a decade in Q1 2008, with the wage price index up 0.8% on the quarter, although this missed expectations for a 0.9% increase, the Australian Bureau of Statistics has said. Annual pay growth rose to 3.7%, compared with revised growth of 3.4% the previous quarter. However, with the central bank already hiking rates 375 basis points to an 11-year high of 3.85%, analysts believe it is unlikely policymakers will increase interest rates.

https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/australia-q1-wage-growth-rises-by-37-quarterly-gains-missed-forecasts-2023-05-17/