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Split on local shipping wages
AN ABBOTT government move to cut the pay of foreign workers on ships in Australian waters was rejected by unions on Wednesday.
Deputy Prime Minister Warren Truss announced details of the government's coastal shipping reforms.
A key issue was that workers on foreign ships would not be paid Australian wages. Instead they would be paid wages consistent with their home country.
The plan also would allow foreign ships to carry more freight in Australian waters.
Shadow transport minister Anthony Albanese said the move would stop Australian ships working on domestic freight tasks.
