In Bathurst yesterday as a guest speaker at the Charles Sturt University graduation ceremony, the union heavyweight detailed what she believes should be priorities for the 2008 Federal Budget.

Ms Burrow has called for greater investment in vocational education and training.

She also wants to see the restoration of workers’ rights lost under WorkChoices.

“The Federal Government needs to start undoing the social and economic damage caused by the former Liberal Government in next week’s Budget,” the ACTU leader said.

“We have a number of key priorities that need to be addressed.

“These include the replacement of WorkChoices with fair and balanced new industrial relations laws, including an education program to ensure employers and employees understand and are aware of their rights and

obligations.

“There’s also a need for increased funding for the management, monitoring and policing of the 457 visa program to eliminate abuse by employers and ensure temporary migrant workers are not exploited.”

Ms Burrow said measures must be put in place to ease the financial pressure on working Australians and their families.

“This includes support for the Labor Government’s election commitment to improve the affordability, accessibility and quality of childcare services,” she said.

“We also want to see action to begin addressing the legacy of under investment in Australia’s social, economic and environmental infrastructure left by the former Howard Government.”