The media is making much of current Coalition internal dissent over its possible post-election stance on the Rudd Government's intention to change WorkChoices legislation.
However, I am sceptical that any softened attitude to this industrial relations change will survive the first few weeks of the new parliament sitting.
The bulk of Liberal and Nationals political donations come from businesses and industries which have been able to make hay under WorkChoices. Given the recent decline in campaign funding received by these two parties, I doubt that they will do more than pay lipservice to the mandate received by Federal Labor on any IR rollback because both Libs and Nats need to recover financially before federal election 2010.
As it appears that quite a few Coalition MPs may be considering retirement halfway through their present term of office and might look to big business to provide them with a lucrative second career, I also cannot see them deciding to bite the hands they hope will feed them in the future.
When it comes to the Coalition's response to Rudd's foreshadowed industrial relations changes, it's likely to be a case of right-wing leopards and spots.
