This is not an economic strategy for Australia. This is just a major assault on workers' rights and it's a huge boost for big business.

There will be test cases that make their way to court but I think the government was desperate that this not be one of them, because they would know as well as I that these laws allow people to be terminated and offered their jobs back for lower pay.

Already around the country, three days into these laws, people are being dismissed.

It simply says in a letter that your services are no longer required and refers specifically to the new industrial relations laws to justify it.

The basic thing we've got to do in the workplace is to stick together.

Through the next 12 months or so we're going to campaign on every front and try and win the support of the Australian community.