Environmental Tobacco Smoke Kills Submission to the Queensland Government on the Review of Tobacco and Other Smoking Products Act 2001 Bill Smith For John Kane This assignment is approximately 1287 words in length Contents Introduction to Queensland Cancer Fund …3 Environmental Tobacco Smoke …3 Key Developments …3 The Silent Killer …4 Litigation …4 Existing No Smoking Bans …5 Benefits of Smoke Free …6 Conclusion …6 References …7 Introduction to the Queensland Cancer Fund. From a desperate need in the community during the 1960’s to address concerns regarding cancer, the Queensland Cancer Fund (QCF) was born. Forty years on, the QCF is strategising to continue raising funds to combat the dreaded disease and supply sufficient treatment facilities for cancer patients. The organisation remains a ‘not for profit’ firm, although employing a range of professional staff for the services provided. The activities conducted by the QCF are diverse, but structured to allow the organisation to achieve its aims that include advancing cancer research and treatment and to increase community awareness of cancer. Similarly, research into cures for cancer, facilities for patients, cancer help lines and education programs all represent key areas that the QCF are involved in. Environmental Tobacco Smoke This submission addresses the concerns of environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) in public places, namely pubs, clubs, casinos and restaurants that causes illness and death to workers and patrons. Research is extensive and supports the long held belief that tobacco smoke is harmful. It is fact that over 4000 chemicals are contained in tobacco smoke including tar, addictive nicotine, carbon monoxide and carcinogens that cause cancer (Jarred, 2001:2 and AHMAC, 2000:3). Passive smoking, as ETS is often referred to, occurs when non-smokers inhale smoke that is either exhaled or emitted by smokers. For the thousands of hospitality workers and patrons exposed to ETS in licensed premises, the proposed review by the Government of the Queensland Tobacco and Other Smoking Products Act 2001 is extremely overdue. Key Developments Scientific research first began to appear during the 1970’s linking passive smoking and respiratory diseases but it wasn’t until 1981 that medical research on the effects of passive smoking was first published (Hirayama cited Jarred, 2001:16). Decades later in 1995, the Herron Report recommended that smoking not to be permitted in enclosed places including restaurants and hotels. Further, the report suggested the inclusion of outdoor areas specifically for smokers and that employees not be forced to service these areas (PEHS, 2000: 4). A few years later, the National Tobacco Strategy 1999-2002/3 was endorsed by all State and Commonwealth Health and Police Ministers with the major aim being the reduction of exposure to environmental tobacco smoke. The Queensland Tobacco Action Plan 2000/01 – 2003/04 emerged soon a ...

1. Environmental Tobacco Smoke Kills
Submission to the Queensland Government on the
Review of Tobacco and Other Smoking Products Act 2001
Bill Smith
For
John Kane
This assignment is approximately 1287 words in length
Contents
Introduction to Queensland Cancer Fund
…3
Environmental Tobacco Smoke
…3
Key Developments
…3
The Silent Killer
…4
Litigation
…4
Existing No Smoking Bans
…5

2. Benefits of Smoke Free
…6
Conclusion
…6
References
…7
Introduction to the Queensland Cancer Fund.
From a desperate need in the community during the 1960’s to
address concerns regarding cancer, the Queensland Cancer Fund
(QCF) was born. Forty years on, the QCF is strategising to
continue raising funds to combat the dreaded disease and supply
sufficient treatment facilities for cancer patients. The
organisation remains a ‘not for profit’ firm, although employing
a range of professional staff for the services provided. The
activities conducted by the QCF are diverse, but structured to
allow the organisation to achieve its aims that include
advancing cancer research and treatment and to increase
community awareness of cancer. Similarly, research into
cures for cancer, facilities for patients, cancer help lines and
education programs all represent key areas that the QCF are
involved in.
Environmental Tobacco Smoke
This submission addresses the concerns of environmental
tobacco smoke (ETS) in public places, namely pubs, clubs,
casinos and restaurants that causes illness and death to workers
and patrons. Research is extensive and supports the long held
belief that tobacco smoke is harmful. It is fact that over 4000
chemicals are contained in tobacco smoke including tar,
addictive nicotine, carbon monoxide and carcinogens that cause
cancer (Jarred, 2001:2 and AHMAC, 2000:3). Passive
smoking, as ETS is often referred to, occurs when non-smokers

3. inhale smoke that is either exhaled or emitted by smokers. For
the thousands of hospitality workers and patrons exposed to
ETS in licensed premises, the proposed review by the
Government of the Queensland Tobacco and Other Smoking
Products Act 2001 is extremely overdue.
Key Developments
Scientific research first began to appear during the 1970’s
linking passive smoking and respiratory diseases but it wasn’t
until 1981 that medical research on the effects of passive
smoking was first published (Hirayama cited Jarred, 2001:16).
Decades later in 1995, the Herron Report recommended that
smoking not to be permitted in enclosed places including
restaurants and hotels. Further, the report suggested the
inclusion of outdoor areas specifically for smokers and that
employees not be forced to service these areas (PEHS, 2000: 4).
A few years later, the National Tobacco Strategy 1999-2002/3
was endorsed by all State and Commonwealth Health and Police
Ministers with the major aim being the reduction of exposure to
environmental tobacco smoke. The Queensland Tobacco
Action Plan 2000/01 – 2003/04 emerged soon afterwards. The
strategy objectives and key strategy areas were to reduce
exposure to tobacco smoke thus forming the framework of the
document (Turner, 2001). Finally, Queensland followed the
majority of the states with ETS legislation and passed the
Tobacco and Other Smoking Products (Prevention of Supply to
Children) Amendment Bill 2001 on May 3 2001 to be effective
31 May 2002 (NOHSC, 2001).
The Silent Killer
The statistics reveal a frightening story for the effects of
tobacco smoke. For the thousands of scientific publications
linking tobacco smoke to over 50 diseases, more than 3000
Queenslanders die annually due to tobacco related causes (QCF,
2002a:8). With less than a quarter of the state’s adult
population being smokers, their filthy habit significantly

4. contributes to this annual death toll that incidentally, far
exceeds the state’s yearly road toll. Worst of all, smoking is
the leading preventable cause of premature death and illness in
the state but the Government still haven’t acted to end the
disgusting conditions that hospitality workers or patrons have to
endure in licensed premises. Instead, the community has to
suffice with a measly review only of the act instead of
immediate action of no smoking bans. Smoke free areas within
an establishment simply do not work, as smoke drifts and
ventilation systems are useless, exposing non smokers to
environmental tobacco smoke (TDHHS, 2003). Research shows
that workers and customers are being exposed to high levels of
cardio and geno toxic tobacco by products that cannot be
removed via ventilation systems (Repace and Lowry, 1993).
Litigation
For further consideration by the Government, is the emergence
of litigation surrounding passive smoking. Several cases over
recent years highlights that the judicial system is recognising
the links with ETS and illness incurred by individuals. The
National Occupational Health and Safety Commission published
the findings of two recent cases. In the first instance, $466,00
was awarded by the NSW Supreme Court to a bar worker
against her former employer in May 2001 who had served 23
years with the company. The jury found her throat cancer was
a direct result of second hand smoke being inhaled by the bar
attendant. In another case, a restaurateur had to pay $7600 in
damages to an asthma sufferer who suffered a 2 month bout of
severe asthma triggered by ETS in the restaurant. The court
found the restaurant liable on breach of contract, breach of duty
of care in negligence an occupier’s liability. The Government
has ignored since 1986 the potential of liability of employers
relating to tobacco compensation claims. Specifically, the
Commonwealth Attorney General noted that ‘injury from
passive smoking is reasonably foreseeable and that
consequently such an injury could give rise to an action for

5. damages at common law’. Five years later, the same was
emphasised by the President of the Senate ‘the onus now
appears to fall on employers and managers of facilities to take a
more positive role in protecting non smokers’ (PEHS, 2000:6)
The Government cannot disregard any longer the plight of
workers or patrons in environments filled with tobacco smoke.
Existing No Smoking Bans
Finally, the idea of completely smoke free licensed premises is
not new. Other countries have already implemented legislation
banning smoking in restaurants and bars demonstrating their
commitment and concern to non smokers. Ottawa introduced
smoke free by laws in 2001 (NOHSC, 2001). The by laws ban
smoking in all public places and workplaces. A year later, El
Paso in Texas also found itself with similar bans (Huang, De
and McCusker, 2004). Most impressive was Ontario’s bans in
1998, which sets them as pioneers in the field of no smoking
bans in licensed premises (Ascenzi, 1998). By January of this
year, five US states and 72 municipalities have passed laws that
prohibit smoking in almost all workplaces, restaurants and bars.
This is excellent and now Queensland must lead the way for
Australia’s turn in implementing permanent smoke free
legislation to protect all non smokers. The Premier of
Queensland, Mr Peter Beattie, on a recent trip to Ireland was
able to observe first hand no smoking in licensed premises in
pubs visited. Mr Beattie, take the challenge and lead the
‘Smart State’ into introducing no smoking legislation
immediately.
The Benefits of Smoke Free
In anticipating the hospitality industry association’s defence in
not wanting this type of legislation to be introduced for fear of
financial loss, the QCF wish to advise that non smoking
premises are good for business. Evidence from those countries
with no smoking bans in place have reported encouraging
effects to their revenues. Sibbald (2001) found that a positive

6. impact occurred in Canada after the bans were introduced.
Restaurants and bars in Ontario are attracting more non smoking
patrons while retaining smokers (either lighting up outside in
the street or reducing their intake) (Ascenzi, 1998). A little
more closer to home, an entrepreneurial bowls club on the
Sunshine Coast went smoke free in 2001 (QCF, 2002b). The
Maroochydore Swan Bowls Club has since enjoyed a substantial
increase in membership of over 150% since the ban. The
claims that smoke free policies would cause financial hardship
simply aren’t true, as this research shows.
Conclusion
This submission has presented research and evidence that
supports legislation of no smoking at all in licensed premises.
The notion of conducting a review of the Tobacco and Other
Smoking Products Act 2001 is inadequate. The sole
recommendation is to introduce legislation immediately to ban
smoking in all licensed premises for the protection of both
workers and patrons. The effects of ETS are well documented
and researched and cannot be ignored any longer by the
Queensland Government. Action must be taken now to stop the
premature death of thousands of Queenslanders that can be
prevented with clean air that workers and patrons deserve.
References
Ascenzi, Joseph (1998) Bars and Patrons Adjust To - and
Ignore – New Law. The Business Press, Ontario, Jan 19 1998
ASH (2003). Smoke Free Public Places For The A.C.T. Action
on Smoking and Health. Downloaded 10th May 2004
http://www.ashaust.org.au/publications/ACTsubm03.doc
Huang, P., De, K. A. and McCusker, M. E. (2004) Impact Of A

7. Smoking Ban On Restaurant and Bar Revenues. Morbidity and
Mortality Weekly Report, Atlanta, Feb 27 2004
Jarred, W. (2001) Towards Improved Public Health, Research
Bulleting no 3/01. Queensland Parliament Library.
Downloaded 10th May 2004
http://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/Parlib/Publications_pdfs/book
s/rb0301wj.pdf
NOHSC (2001). Environmental Tobacco Smoke Watching Brief
2001. National Occupational Health and Safety Commission.
Downloaded 10th May 2004
http://www.nohsc.gov.au/ResearchCoordination/watchingbriefs/
etspages/ETSWatchingbriefSept2001.pdf
NPHP (2000). National Response To Passive Smoking In
Enclosed Public Places and Workplaces. A Background Paper.
Downloaded 10th May 2004
http://www.nphp.gov.au/publications/legislation/smoke_passive.
pdf
PEHS (2000). Smoke Free Public Places. Regulatory Impact
Statement. Public and Environmental Health Service.
Downloaded 10th May 2004
http://www.dhhs.tas.gov.au/publichealth/smokefreeareas/pdfs/s
mokefree_RIS.pdf
QCF (2002a). Smoking Kills, A Submission On Behalf Of
Public Health And The 553, 000 Queensland Smokers Who
Want To Quit. Queensland Cancer Fund. Downloaded 10th May
2004
http://www.qldcancer.com.au/cancer_info_and_services/PDF/S
mokingKills.pdf
QCF (2002b). Smoke Free Club Bonanza. Queensland Cancer
Fund. 14 May 2002, media release. Downloaded 10th May

8. 2004
http://www.qldcancer.com.au/Whats_New/Default.html
QCF (2004). Premier Checks Out Irish Smoking Bans For
Queensland. Queensland Cancer Fund. 1 May 2004, media
release. Downloaded 10th May 2004
http://www.qldcancer.com.au/Whats_New/Default.html
TDHHS (2003). Smoke Free Areas Review. Tasmania
Department of Health and Human Services. Downloaded 10th
May 2004
http://www.interact.dhhs.tas.gov.au/supportingdocs/89/smoke_f
ree_areas_report.pdf
Turner, Paul. (2001) Tobacco Advocacy. Queensland Cancer
Fund. Downloaded 10th May 2004
http://www.qldcancer.com.au/cancer_info_and_services/PDF/To
baccoAdvocacyWebsite01.pdf
Page 1 of 7
Should Australia’s Current Media Regulations Be Relaxed?
Over the past two decades the Australian government has
undertaken a task of economic liberalisation through a process
of deregulation and privatisation. Deregulation of the media
industry is now on the agenda. On the 13 July 2006 Senator
Coonan, Minister for Communications, Information Technology
and the Arts announced a government framework for
progressive deregulation of the media industry (Coonan 2006a).
Contained within the deregulation framework is a proposal to
relax the current media ownership regulation (Coonan 2006a).
This paper will briefly outline the current media regulations and

9. discuss the reasons for such regulation. This will be followed by
an analysis of the different arguments for and against
deregulation. Arguments for deregulation include economic
arguments such as “free market theory” and profit
maximization. Arguments against deregulation are societal
based arguments such as the potential of undue power and
influence of media owners, and reduction in diversity of views
and information. From this analysis it will then be argued that
the media ownership regulations should not be relaxed. This
argument will be made on the basis that there is no evidence
that deregulation will not be detrimental to society and reversal
will be difficult.
Media ownership and concentration has been an important
policy issue for many governments around the world. This is
due to the special role that media plays politically, socially and
culturally (Doyle 2000, p. 1, Horwitz 2005, p. 181). The current
regulations relating to cross-media ownership in Australia as
laid out in the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 stipulates that a
company or a company director can only control a license for
one form of media (television, radio or newspaper) in any given
license area (Commonwealth Consolidated Acts n.d). An
example of this may be if a company has a television license in
a certain area, they would not be entitled to obtain a radio or
newspaper license within that same license area. These
regulations were established in an attempt to discourage
concentration and support competition in the media industry.
This in turn was an attempt to ensure that democracy could
properly function and that society at large can have access to a
range of relevant, fairly presented views and information
(Jackson, 2006, The Australian Communications and Media
Authority n.d).
It has been widely accepted that for a democracy to function
there must be diverse and free exchange of information, ideas
and viewpoints (Champlin & Knoedler 2006, p. 136, Horwitz

10. 2005, p.182, Copps 2003, p. 475, McChesney 2003, p.126,
Chadwick 1998, p.155). Many countries around the world have
shared the view that regulations should be implemented to
control the ownership and concentration of the media in order to
maintain the diverse flow of information and ideas (Doyle 2000,
p. 1, Horwitz 2005, p. 181). This view is changing. Due to
agendas of economic liberalisation, technological advances,
commercialisation and pressure from growing media companies,
governments have started to deregulate the industry
(McChesney 2003, p.125, Moog & Sluyter-Beltrao 2001, p.
Doyle 2000 p. 1). However, there appears to be few studies that
explore the societal impact of concentration of the media
industry. Will society benefit from greater concentration of the
media industry?
Senator Coonan (2006b) argues that with the large amount of
media sources available to the public, particularly the internet,
there will continue to be a diverse variety of news and
information from which the public can draw. However figures
show that, in Australia, television, radio and newspaper remain
the most common source of news and current affairs; only 11%
of people use the internet and 10% use cable television as their
source of news and current affairs. Moreover, many internet and
cable television news services are owned by traditional media
owners (Jackson 2006). Furthermore, Senator Coonan (2006a)
argues that this is a mere relaxation of the media laws and that
safeguards to ensure diversity will be instilled, these safeguards
being a minimum of five voices in metropolitan markets and
four in urban markets. Despite these safeguards, relaxation of
the current regulations will provide opportunity for
consolidation and further concentration of an already
concentrated industry (Jackson 2006). The two largest media
players in Australia both have access to over 50% of their
respective markets (Jackson 2006). Former Australian Prime
Minister Paul Keating (Lateline 2006) suggests that the
safeguards are inadequate as relatively small and insignificant

11. voices will be counted in the five required voices in an area.
The question, however, remains: Will further concentration of
the industry be detrimental or beneficial to society?
Further consolidation will be beneficial to the media
proprietors, and in turn society as companies will be able to
realise economies of scale and scope (Doyle 2000, p.22). Doyle
(2002, p. 175) however argues that cross-media ownership
across traditional platforms of media does not give rise to
significant efficiencies and cost savings gains. In relation to
public interest, it has been argued that the market forces of
supply and demand is the best way to regulate the media i.e;
those that serve the public interest will be profitable whereas
those that do not will have to change or will not survive
(Croteau & Hoynes 2001, p. 67). Weinstein (2004, pp 161-164)
argues that regulated markets may actually be less diverse than
an unregulated market. He argues that, in the name of profits, a
single owner of different media platforms will attract a greater
audience by producing a diverse variety of products than it
could by producing homogenous products in each media form.
This argument is intuitively appealing; however, McChesney
(2003, p. 130) argues that advertising revenue is the biggest
concern for a commercial media proprietor and in this sense
proprietors will only offer what people want when it is a
valuable market. Furthermore, there are concerns that to attract
audiences proprietors will encourage sensationalism and
entertainment (Chomsky 2006, p.2), making news a saleable
product rather than a public service (Champlin & Knoedler
2006, p. 139).
A further issue is the possible power that accompanies
ownership control over what news is broadcast or printed. It is
said that mass media now has the capacity to make or break
politicians, even entire governments (Newton, 2001 p. 151). No
longer does media simply carry the news, they also have the
power to shape public opinion and influence public policy

12. (Newton, 2001 p. 151). Paul Keating asserts (Lateline, 2006)
that given the extra power and control that the media
proprietors will have, one must be sure not to get on the wrong
side of them. Weinstein (2004, p. 171) suggests that owners will
be unlikely to assert control over the content that is produced
unless they are willing to trade profits for their goals. This begs
the question, what would happen if influencing the content were
financially beneficial to the company? It has been found that
there is a general acceptance that the commercial interests of
the owner will influence production content (Jackson 2006).
McChesney (2003, pp 126-127) points out; that after
deregulation the large media companies will wield considerable
influence in politics and policy making. They will also be able
to stifle a robust community debate. Due to this power, once
deregulation has occurred reversing the scenario will be much
more difficult. Chomsky (2006, pp 1-18) in his study on the
New York Times also found that owners of media can and have
used a certain level of control of content. He also found that
these practices could be very difficult to monitor or prove.
Furthermore, it has been found that reporters are able to
recognize and perform to the owner’s preferences without
having to be explicitly told what to do (Chomsky 2006, p. 15)
The ownership of the media will continue to be a contentious
issue; despite the level of contention surrounding media
ownership governments around the world are pursuing agendas
of deregulating the media industry. There are economic
arguments that have been put forward such as the laws of supply
and demand (Croteau & Hoynes 2001, p. 67), economies of
scale and scope (Doyle 2000, p.22) along with Weinstein’s
(2004, pp 161-164) argument of diversity due to audience
maximization and profit goals. However these arguments appear
to benefit the industry but are unable to unequivocally show the
benefits to society and the public interest. It appears that under
the laws of supply and demand there will be a decrease in the
quality of the news and information provided and it will be

13. targeted toward the most profitable audiences (Champlin &
Knoedler 2006, p. 139, Chomsky 2006, p.2, McChesney 2003, p.
130). They fail to address why media owners are not going to
abuse the increase in power afforded to them through further
consolidation both in political influence and influence of
content. Finally the five voices safeguards that senator Coonan
(2006a) is proposing does allow for further industry
concentration and are weak as it will allow a media proprietor
to control the major media platforms in a market provided there
are other proprietors still in the market. As there is no
comprehensive evidence to prove that relaxation of the media
ownership regulations will not be detrimental to society the
regulations should remain as they are. As Kim Jackson (2006)
put it “ownership is easily monitored and regulated whereas
concepts such as diversity of views’ are much more difficult to
regulate”. Can our democratic society afford for deregulation
proponents to be wrong? Once the industry is deregulated it will
be very difficult to return (McChesney 2003, pp. 126-127)
Reference List:
Chadwick, P 1998, ‘Do Media Help or Harm Public Health?’
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, vol. 22,
no. 1, pp. 155-158. Retrieved 5 September, 2006, from Proquest
Database.
Champlin D.P & Knoedler J.T, 2006, ‘The Media News and
Democracy: Revisiting the Dewey-Lippman Debate’ Journal of
Economic Issues, vol. XL, no. 1, pp. 135-152. Retrieved 5
September, 2006, from Proquest Database.
Chomsky D, 2006, ‘An Interested Reader: Measuring Ownership
Control at the New York Times’ Critical Studies in Media
Communication, vol. 23, no.1, pp. 1-18. Retrieved 5 September,
2006, from Proquest Database.
Commonwealth Consolidated Acts, Broadcasting Services Act

14. 1992 Retrieved
15 September, 2006 From
http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/consol_act/bsa1992214/
Coonan H. 2006, ‘Media Reforms Press Conference’ Retrieved
4 September, 2006 from
http://www.minister.dcita.gov.au/media/transcripts/press_confer
ence__
media_reforms
Coonan H. 2006, ‘Media: Unpacking the Package’ Retrieved 4
September, 2006 from
http://www.minister.dcita.gov.au/media/speeches/media_unpack
ing_the_package
Copps M.J. 2003, ‘The “Vast Wasteland” Revisited: Headed for
More of the Same?’ Fedral Commuications Law Journal vol. 55,
no. 3, pp 473-479. Retrieved 15 September, 2006, from CSA
Database.
Croteau D & Hoynes W 2001, The Business of Media:
Corporate Media and the Public Interest, Pine Forge Press, USA
Doyle G. 2000 ‘The Economics of Monomedia and Coss-Media
Expansion: A Study of the Case Favouring Deregulation of TV
and Newspaper Ownership in the UK’ Journal of Cultural
Economics vol. 24, pp. 1-26. Retrieved 5 September, 2006, from
Proquest Database.

15. Doyle G. 2002 Media ownership, Sage,London.
Horwitz R.B. 2005, ‘On Media Concentration and the Diversity
Question’ The Information Society vol. 21. pp.181-204.
Retrieved 15 September, 2006, from CSA Database.
Jackson K, 2006 ‘Media Ownership and Regulation in
Australia’ Retrieved 4 September, 2006 from
http://www.aph.gov.au/library/intguide/sp/media_regulations.ht
m
McChesney, R.W, 2003, ‘Theses on Media Deregulation’,
Media Culture and Society, vol. 25, pp 125-133. Retrieved 15
September, 2006, from CSA Database
Moog S & Sluyter-Beltrao J. ‘The Transformation of Political
Communication’ in B. Axford & R. Huggins (eds). New Media
and Politics, Sage, London, pp 30-63
Newton K. 2001. ‘The Transformation of Governance?’ in B.
Axford & R. Huggins (eds). New Media and Politics, Sage,
London, pp 151-171
Weinstein R.H. 2004, ‘The Diversity Paradox: Media Ownership
Regulation and Program Variety’ Stanford Journal of Law,
Businwss & Finance vol. 10, no. 1, pp. 150-172. Retrieved 5
September, 2006, from Proquest Database.
PAGE
2
2. Does business still need government in an era of
globalisation?

16. Globalisation has forever changed the way in which businesses
deal with their suppliers, employees, customers and
governments. Globalisation refers to the process of increasing
integration and interdependence among economies, societies
and cultures on a global level (Bova 2010, p212). Debate has,
and will continue to centre within both the business and politics
fields about the extent to which business needs regulating by
governments in order to achieve economic prosperity for the
firm and society as a whole. This debate has further intensified
as globalisation has created further question marks within
government-business relations as economies become
increasingly interdependent, competitive and inclusive
(Eccleston 2010, p73). This essay will argue that governments
need to relinquish aspects of their control and influence over
business in order to fully capitalise on the positive effects of
globalisation, however there is still a modest role for
governments regulation on business.
To verify this thesis effectively, this essay will analyse the
reasons why government interference on business can be
harmful whilst also presenting facts that support some
government regulations. Arguments opposing government
interference on business include the devastating impacts of
government laid trade barriers on economies. In addition,
government regulations are fast becoming irrelevant given the
growth of globalisation and multinational corporations
(MNC’s). Finally, the benefits of limited government regulation
through capitalism and trade liberalisation are evident using
examples of recently decentralised economies such as China.
The requirements for government regulation in the era of
globalisation to be maintained however include the needs for
government-imposed laws to restrict unsafe work practices and
imports, and ensure firms take responsibility for the
environmental implications of their activities. Additionally the
need for government regulation in the economy in the era of
globalisation is unquestionable following the 2008 Global

17. Financial Crisis (GFC).
Governments must abandon many regulations and controls on
business in order to achieve heightened economic prosperity in
the era of globalisation. Supporters of this argument and a
laissez faire economy come from the right of the political
spectrum; such as conservatives, neo-liberalists, individualists,
fascists and theorists like Friedman, Reagan and Thatcher
(Allen 2010). Laissez faire is the term given to an economy that
is driven by free market forces, free from any significant
government intervention (Heywood 2007, p189). The first
testimony for reduced government influence over business in
the era of globalisation is the negative effects almost all
government backed trade barriers have had on domestic
consumers, firms and trading partners. This situation has been
evident for a number of years within Australia, where the
continued hefty subsidies and tariffs against imported
automobiles has created a very inefficient local industry, costed
millions of taxpayers’ dollars and made automobile prices in
Australia some of the highest in the world (Anderson & Garnaut
1987, p6-13). Many economists argue that if the automotive
industry was left to market forces and freer trade, a much more
innovative and efficient industry would have been developed,
and furthermore the enormous savings to government could
have been put to better use promoting cleaner, greener
industries (Conley 2009, p224). Therefore due to the
overwhelmingly negative impacts of government-laid trade
barriers on firms and consumers there is a far more limited
requirement for government regulation on business.
Globalisation has resulted in a reduced need for government
interference on business. This is unmistakably apparent with the
fact that numerous MNC’s expand across different economies,
hence the impact of government regulations are becoming
almost irrelevant. According to a 2005 Fortune Magazine
survey, of the top 150 world economic entities, 95 of them were

18. companies (Fortune Magazine 2005). What this represents is
that companies are often larger, and more economically
powerful than national governments. Although in Australia, the
government is still the largest and most powerful entity,
evidence of its futility compared to business is detectable. The
most prominent example occurred during debate over the
Mining Tax, where the government spent $38.5 million
promoting its policy, this figure however is dwarfed by the
estimated $100 million spent by the mining industry (Carbonell
2010). Additionally this was coupled with the threat to shift
investment overseas, something the Australian government
could not afford nor limit. Therefore, due to the ever-increasing
size and power of MNC’s through globalisation, there is a much
smaller role for governments in business.
Business has a much more limited need for government
interference in the current era of globalisation, as is evident
with the huge economic growth and development seen
throughout the world from governments liberalising their
economies. The economic benefits of governments liberalising
their economies and contributing in world trade have been
unambiguous as seen within former socialist economies which
since reverting to capitalism have experienced record levels of
economic growth, development and trade. In fact the three
fastest growing economies in 2007; China, India and Russia all
fit into this category of newly liberalised economies
(EconomyWatch 2008). China in particular is a gleaming
advertisement for a free market economy. Since major economic
reforms in 1978 to decentralise the economy and welcome
international trade and investment, the Chinese economy has
grown an average of 12% annually to become the 2nd largest
behind only the United States (Mallik 2010). Trade levels
directly reflect these economic growth figures with the volume
of Chinese trade having rose from US$21 billion in 1978 to
US$2.22 trillion in 2009 (World Trade Organisation 2010).
Moreover, the economic advantages of a free market system

19. where business is substantially independent from governments
are evident when the very poor economic performances of
centralised economies are examined. The most obvious example
of this is North Korea, where the planned socialist economy has
produced a GDP of just US$28 billion, a stark contrast to the
US$986 billion GDP from the capitalist South Korea (The
World Bank 2011). Therefore, due to the overwhelming
economic advantages of free market capitalism and
globalisation it must be determined that business does not need
hefty government controls.
Despite these strong arguments supporting freer rein for
business from governments in the era of globalisation, this
essay still argues that there will always be a need for sensible
levels of government regulations on business. Supporters of
government regulations include Marx, Keynes, socialists,
environmentalists, social democrats, and liberals, all from the
left of the political spectrum (Heywood 2007, p190-200). The
most recognisable way in which business relies on government
is the application of government regulations and statutes on
different aspects of business activities. With globalisation, there
has been a constant influx of both imports and MNC’s whose
home countries have very different regulations regarding work
practices and quality controls. Therefore there is a necessity for
governments to ensure local consumers and workers are kept
safe (Czinkota et al. 2009 p126). Governments can place
boycotts against the importation of potentially dangerous or
illegal products, as seen recently with many governments
restricting the importation of Japanese food due to its nuclear
crisis (Reuters 2011).
Furthermore, governments have a responsibility to ensure safe
and fair work practices are maintained despite mounting
pressure from globalisation to make their economies attractive
to MNC’s. Although this necessity is widely taken for granted
in Australia, many governments around the world need to
implement stronger workplace safety, fairness and anti-child

20. labour laws to ensure its citizens are not exploited by MNC’s
and subjected to “sweatshops”, a key driving force behind the
anti-globalisation movement (Bova 2010, p235). Consequently,
given the importance of government policy on foreign firms and
imports, there is still a need for sensible government regulations
on business.
One of the most topical and fastest growing demands for
government intervention on business has been from consumers,
interest groups and indeed many businesses to create a more
environmentally sustainable economy. Although many
businesses have voluntarily taken measures to reduce their
carbon footprint, around the world and indeed very recently in
Australia it has been governments who ultimately have enforced
measures to reduce their economies environmental impact
(Curran 2010, p272). The failure of the free market system in
dealing with environmental issues is evident throughout
numerous accounts of unregulated business practices causing
huge environmental catastrophes, particularly in the third world
where government laws surrounding environmental sustainably
are not as strict (Gramlich 1989, p139). Such examples of
unrestrained business activities causing environmental damage
include BHP’s Ok Tedi Mine in Papua New Guinea, the Union
Carbide gas leak in India, and the Exxon Valdez oil spill
(Schermerhorn et al 2011, p146-150). Furthermore, government
policies like the Environmental Protection Act 1994, signing the
Kyoto Protocol and the Emissions Trading Scheme confirm that
business does need government regulation to create
environmentally sustainable economy (Department of Climate
Change and Energy Efficiency 2011).
The continuing need for rational government regulations on
business during globalisation is unambiguous due to 2008 GFC.
It is widely recognised that the GFC was the result of
unregulated financial derivatives and economic independence
both in the United States and across the world (Galbraith 2009,

21. pxi-xiii). The GFC will forever dent the Neo-liberalist ideal of a
laissez-faire economy, not only due to the catastrophic failure
of the free-market in creating the GFC, but also by the
interventionist strategies undertaken by many governments
around the world in an effort to starve off the GFC and rescue
the market (Clarke 2010, abstract). In Australia for example the
Rudd Labor Government strongly intervened in the economy by
guaranteeing bank deposits and adopting a number of economic
stimulus packages that were all designed to increase public
expenditure and consequently economic growth (Curran & van
Acker 2010, p7-9). Similar scenes where recorded across the
world where governments were needed to step in to save many
businesses from capitulating such as Lehmann Brothers, or to
provide stimulus to avoid an economic recession, a situation
which neo-liberalists claimed would not be necessary as the
market would stimulate itself (Heywood 2007, p189).
Accordingly, there is still a role for moderate levels of
government regulations on business during globalisation.
Consequently, this essay has determined the degree to which
business needs government in the era of globalisation.
Governments need to find the correct balance between big
government that creates inefficient, insular economies and a
laissez-faire economy that despite often achieving strong
economic growth is incredibly fragile, interdependent, and
unequitable (Lane & Arsson 1997, p127-128). The way to
achieving this is evident with this essays argument that firstly,
government intervention in the form of trade barriers is
destructive to the economy, secondly that given the size of
MNC’s many regulations are often pointless. In addition, the
case for a reduction in the levels of government regulation is
clear when the advantages nations, such as China, have accessed
when liberalising their economies. Nonetheless, this essay
argues that with globalisation there are still certain aspects
where government regulation is still a necessity, firstly through
the restrictions of dangerous and illegal work practices and

22. imports. Furthermore, governments are required to regulate
business to ensure a more environmentally sustainable future is
feasible and to avoid the failings that led to the GFC and rescue
the economy during any harsh times. Hence, as globalisation
further intensifies governments must maintain moderate levels
of regulations over business but they should bestow them more
freedom to allow business to prosper and ultimately strengthen
the economy.
Reference List
Allen, A 2010, Australian Politics- The Basics of the Political
Spectrum, viewed 1 April 2011,
<http://www.suite101.com/content/australian-politics--the-
basics-of-the-political-spectrum-a267793>
Anderson, K & Garnaut, R 1987, Australian Protectionism:
Extent, Causes and Effects, Allen & Unwin, Sydney, Australia
Australian Government: Department of Climate Change and
Energy Efficiency, 2011, Reducing Australia’s Emissions,
viewed 1 April 2011,
<http://www.climatechange.gov.au/government/reduce.aspx>
Bova, R 2007, How the World Works: A Brief Survey of
International Relations, Pearson Education, United States of
America
Carbonell, R 2010, Mining Industry wins the advertising war,
ABC News, viewed 3 April 2011, <
http://www.abc.net.au/worldtoday/content/2010/s2943169.htm>
Clarke, H 2010, The End of Free Market Fundamentalism Not of
the Mixed Economy, viewed 1 April 2011, <
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1759-
3441.2009.00037.x/abstract?systemMessage=Wiley+Online+Lib
rary+will+be+disrupted+2nd+Apr+from+10-
12+BST+for+monthly+maintenance>
Conley, T 2009, The Vulnerable Country: Australia and the

23. global economy, UNSW Press, Sydney
Curran, G 2010, “Sustainable Governance for Climate Change”,
in Curran, G & van Acker, E (eds), Business and the Politics of
Globalisation: After the Global Financial Crisis, Pearson
Originals, Australia, p274-29
Curran, G & van Acker E 2010, “After the Global Financial
Crisis: Reconfiguring globalisation”, in Curran, G & van Acker,
E (eds), Business and the Politics of Globalisation: After the
Global Financial Crisis, Pearson Originals, Australia, p1-21
Czinkota, M Ronkainen, I Moffett, M Ang, S Shanker, D
Ahmad, A & Lok, P 2009, Fundamentals of International
Business, Wiley, Milton, Australia
Eccleston, R 2010, “Globalisation, the GFC and the Politics of
Taxation”, in Curran, G & van Acker, E (eds), Business and the
Politics of Globalisation: After the Global Financial Crisis,
Pearson Originals, Australia, p68-86
EconomyWatch, 2008, World GDP, Gross World Product,
viewed 5 April 2011, <
http://www.economywatch.com/world_economy/world-
economic-indicators/world-gdp.html>
Fortune Magazine 2005, Corporations among largest global
entities, cited in Mongabay.com, viewed 3 April 2011, <
http://news.mongabay.com/2005/0718-worlds_largest.html>
Galbraith, J 2008, The Predator State, Free Press, United States
of America
Gramlich, E 1989, Benefit-cost analysis of Government
Programs, Prentice-Hall, United States of America
Heywood, A 2007, Politics: third edition, Palgrave Macmillan,
China

24. Lane, J & Ersson, S 1997, Comparative Politcal Economy: A
Developmental Approach, Pinter, Trowbridge, United Kingdom
Mallik, N 2010, China will be the world’s largest economy,
viewed 5 April 2011, <
http://business.rediff.com/slide-show/2010/apr/22/slide-show-1-
china-will-be-the-worlds-largest-economy.htm>
Reuters, 2011, What are restrictions on Japanese food imports,
Yahoo7 News, viewed 1 April 2011, <
http://au.news.yahoo.com/a/-/newshome/9078611/what-are-
restrictions-on-japanese-food-imports/>
Schermerhon, J Davidson, P Poole, D Simon, A Woods, P &
Chau, S 2011, Management: Foundations and Applications,
Wiley, Milton, Australia
The World Bank, 2011, Data: Korea Dem. Rep., viewed 5 April
2011, <
http://data.worldbank.org/country/korea-democratic-republic>
World Trade Organisation, 2010, Statistics Database: Total
Merchandise Trade: China, viewed 5 April 2011,
<
http://stat.wto.org/StatisticalProgram/WSDBViewData.aspx?Lan
guage=E>
1004GIR: Government Business Relations
Sem. 1
2. Does Business still need Government in an era of
Globalisation?

25. Assessment Item 1: Essay
Word Count: 1,632
4
Griffith Business School
SCHOOL OF GOVERNMENT AND INTERNATIONAL
RELATIONS
http://www.griffith.edu.au/business-government/griffith-
business-school/departments/school-government-international-
relations1004GIRGovernment Business Relations
NATHANSemester 2, 2014
Course Convenor:
Dr Giorel Curran
Room: N72 -1.39
email: [email protected]
Lecture:
Wednesday 6.00 - 8.00 pm
N22 Lecture Theatre 1
Course Description
Success in business is underpinned by a sound understanding of
government business relations. Politics is a central feature of
our lives – issues such as globalisation, international trade and
climate change are the subject of front-page headlines and
nightly news bulletins. These issues can have a direct impact on

26. millions of people across the globe. All citizens have a stake in
understanding the politics that lie behind these events, and how
they are affected by them. For these reasons alone, this course
is important – it helps to make sense of the seemingly
mystifying and chaotic world we live in. Politics is also critical
to business. This is because almost every aspect of the
commercial world – from taxation to pollution control and from
consumer regulation to employment law – is shaped by political
decisions. As a result business success often depends on
understanding and successfully engaging in the political
process. For this reason, this course is essential for business
students.
The course explores the impact that government and business
have on one another in a national and international context and
asks what consequences these relationships have for both
government and business. It will provide insights into how
government policies and practice affect business, and how
business influences and relates to government, particularly in a
period of extended financial crisis. While the Australian
political system is used as a point of reference, extensive
international comparisons are also made. The course also
provides insights into the political practices and business
culture of some of Australia’s major trading partners.
In order to explore these themes the course initially introduces
central concepts in the study of politics and then describes the
main institutions and actors in government business relations.
Having established this foundation the course explores
government business relations in comparative perspective
before examining some of the most significant international
political issues affecting business including: global
environmental regulation, trans-national corporate governance
and globalisation, and managing systemic international financial
crisis.
Module A: Government and its effect on business

27. In this module we examine the political context in which
business operates. Since politics has such an important
influence on business, a sound understanding of government
business relations requires familiarity with the major political
institutions, processes and actors. We will explore how political
systems are characterised by specific structures that determine
how power is allocated amongst the various levels of
government. The way a political system is structured is
important because it impacts on business in terms of
infrastructure and regulations. Furthermore, we will gain an
insight into political institutions such as parliament and cabinet,
as well as political actors like parties, interest groups and
individual politicians; they all play an important role in shaping
the political and subsequently the business environment.
Module B: Government and business interactions
In this module we will examine the impact of globalisation on
the interaction between business and government in various
contexts, starting with Australia and then examining America,
China, Japan and Europe. In each case we will focus on a
different aspect of government business relations, andmake a
comparativeexploration of the responses of particular countries
to the challenges of dealing with the Global Financial Crisis
(GFC) against the background of globalization. The challenge
has been to provide a pragmatic pathway out of the crisis
without contributing to the public disenchantment that has
accompanied the economic decline. The economic changes
associated with the financial and economic downturn have had
significant impacts on governments and business around the
globe.
Module C: Government Business Relations and sustainable
governance
As government and business are the key actors driving

28. development activities, responsibility for sustainability should
now underpin their relationship. This module examines the
notion of ‘sustainable governance’. Incorporating the insights of
sustainable development, and the broader responsibilities
assigned to the corporate sector, sustainable governance seeks
to establish an effective partnership between these different
political, economic and social elements for the purpose of
protecting society and the environment. We identify the
challenges of sustainability in the financial, corporate,
environmental and industry sectors, and discuss the kinds of
governance approaches best able to respond to these challenges.
The issue of sustainability highlights business responsibility to
their shareholders, government responsibility to their citizens
and, in both cases, to the broader society and environment in
which they operate.
Texts and Supporting Materials
Prescribed Texts (two):
van Acker, E., Eccleston, R, Hollander, R., and Williams, P.
2013 Politics for Business Students: A Comparative
Introduction. Frenchs Forest: Pearson Education. This book will
provide the required readings for the first part of the course.
van Acker, E. and Curran, G. (eds) 2013. Government and
Business in Volatile Times. Frenchs Forest: Pearson Education.
This book will provide the required readings for the second part
of the course.
These texts will be available as a package from the bookshop on
each campus, though second-hand copies may be available from
last year’s students. The reading for each topic should be
completed before the relevant tutorial.
Recommended Texts:
Beyond the prescribed texts described above the following
provide an excellent introduction to politics. Please note that

29. some of these books will be available at the ‘closed reserve’
section in the library. Please check the online catalogue.
· Carroll, P. and Eccleston, R. (eds)2008. Regulating
International Business. Frenchs Forest: Pearson Education.
· Heywood, Andrew. 2007. Politics, 3rd edition. Basingstoke:
Palgrave.
· Woodward, D., Parkin, A., and Summers, J. (eds) 2010.
Government, Politics, Power and Policy in Australia, 9th
edition. Frenchs Forest:Pearson Education.
· Singleton, G. et al 2010. Australian Political Institutions, 9th
edition. Frenchs Forest: Pearson Education.
· Ward, I. and Stewart, R.G. 2010. Politics One, 4th edition.
South Yarra: Palgrave Macmillan, chapter 1.
If you are in your first year at university, you may be interested
in the following ‘how to’ guide which offers useful study hints.
· Marshall, L. and Rowland, F. 2006. A Guide to Learning
Independently, Frenchs Forest, NSW: Pearson Education
Further Readings
Supplementary readings for each topic are listed in a document
posted at [email protected] entitled ‘Further Readings for
Government Business Relations 1004GIR’, in the ‘Course
Documents’ section. Most of these sources are available at one
of Griffith’s libraries or on the online database. These readings
supplement the set readings and will be useful for tutorial
discussions, essays and business submissions.
Media Sources
Students are encouraged to monitor various media sources
throughout the semester. They could collect newspaper articles
or check various web sites for the latest news regarding issues
covered in the course. The Australian Financial Review and The

30. Australian are good sources for daily news and comment on
government business dynamics, and may also be relevant for
your assignments. Television programs such as 7.30 (ABC),
Insiders (ABC), Global Village (SBS) and Inside Business
(ABC) are useful for keeping abreast of current issues. You
should also consult a range of journals, periodicals and business
magazines to keep informed about recent developments and key
issues.
[email protected]
Valuable resources are also contained at the [email protected]
website, which for the rest of this document will be referred to
as [email protected] They include important announcements,
lectures, assessment guidelines and additional sources like
important websites. [email protected] will be updated regularly
and should be checked regularly. [email protected] is, however,
an additional source of information and it is not a substitute for
attending lectures and tutorials. The lectures outlines posted
provide only the key themes from each lecture. Past surveys of
this course have revealed a very strong relationship between
lecture attendance and success in the subject.
Assessment Summary
1. BUSINESS SUBMISSION OR ESSAY 1500 words
40%
Due at Thursday 25 September (Week 9) (time to be advised)
Submission: Assignment submission will be online this
semester. Further details will be available closer to submission
date.
Minimum of 8 references required for both business submission
and essay.
2. TUTORIALS
20%
There are two components to this assessment task:

31. (a) 10% is based on attendance AND ability to cooperate in
class discussion with evidence of satisfactory completion of the
required reading, and any other activities as requested by your
tutor.
(b) The other 10% is based on TWO reading reports(400-500
word length) which will be collected by your tutors in your
week 6 tutorial (week beginning 1 September) and in your week
12 tutorial (week beginning 20 October). Each report is worth
5%. The first report needs to be based on a required reading
from lectures 1-4. The second report needs to be based on a
required reading from lectures 6-12. These readings are outlined
in the Tutorial and Reading Guide section of the Course Guide.
3. FINAL EXAM End of semester exam period 2 hours
40%
Assessment – General Information
Submission
Students must be able to produce an electronic copy of all work
submitted, and be able to resubmit if requested by the
Convenor. Students may also be asked to submit their notes and
drafts of written work before a final mark for the item can be
awarded.
Students are expected to retain copies of all assessment items
submitted until a final
grade for the course has been awarded. Creating a backup of all
files is highlyrecommended.
Assignments received by fax, e-mail, or any other form other
than hard copy (unless specifically advised by the course
convenor or tutor) will NOT be accepted.
Extensions
Extensions will be granted only in exceptional circumstances.
Study load and work commitments are normally not acceptable
reasons. Applications for an extension should be made to your

32. tutor before the due date. The standard university penalty (10%
per day) may be imposed for lateness.
Referencing
You must use the Harvard referencing system to acknowledge
sources referred to in your business submission or essay. The
Harvard system is similar to the APA system except that you are
required to provide page numbers both for direct quotes and
when you paraphrase the ideas of other authors. A more detailed
description of the Harvard referencing system can be found at
[email protected] in the assessment folder. If you are unsure
about referencing see your tutor.
If you are unsure if you have referenced your work properly you
should submit a draft to SafeAssign. SafeAssign enables
students to submit electronic versions of their assignments via
the internet, and generate a text-matching report. This service is
designed to aid in educating students about plagiarism and the
importance of proper attribution of any borrowed content. It is
recommended that all students utilise this service prior to
submitting assignments. A student user guide is available at the
following site:
https://intranet.secure.griffith.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/000
7/53746/submitting-safeassignment.pdf
You should note that where an essay is incorrectly or
insufficiently referenced according to standard styles, it will be
penalised or returned without marking.
1. BUSINESS SUBMISSION
40%
Note you must choose the Business Submission assignment OR
the essay assignment.
Youare required to prepare a 1500 word business submission on
behalf of an interest group, firm or business association on a
hypothetical government inquiry. The objective of the

33. submission is to clearly outline the interests and concerns held
by business in relation to the policy issue central to the inquiry
scenario. This process will also involve reviewing and
expanding the existing policy position held by the firm or
organization you are representing. The central objective of the
submission is to make a case as to why government should
follow the advice contained in the submission. The key is to
research and develop a clear argument in relation to the policy
issue and to present it in a persuasive manner. More information
on the research and writing of your business submission will be
provided in tutorials and lectures. There is also an example of a
previous business submission posted at [email protected], along
with a commentary on why this submission received a high
mark.
THE TASK:
You are a political lobbyist and have been contracted by a
leading firm, business association or non-business stakeholder
to prepare a submission promoting the interests of one of your
clients in relation to a government review or proposed review of
one of the policy issues listed below. To assist you with this
exercise, names of potential clients have been suggested. You
may prepare a submission on behalf of another relevant party of
your choosing; however you must check the suitability of your
choice with your tutor before proceeding.
While there is no one single ‘best’ way to structure a business
submission, we recommend that your submission should have a
brief introductory section which covers the following issues:
· Title
· Name and background of your client
· The issue(s) you are addressing

34. · The historical background of the issue
The main section of the submission (the body) needs to clearly
identify both the main issues your client wishes to raise in
relation to the Government’s proposal and present evidence and
persuasive arguments in support of the policy approach your
client recommends. It should also include possible counter-
arguments and your rebuttal to these. The use of subheadings is
encouraged.
A minimum of 8 references is required, which should include
some academic sources. All material drawn from these
references must be appropriately cited. Use SafeAssign (see
Assessment: General Information above) if unsure.
CHOOSE ONE OF THE FOLLOWING POLICY ISSUES:
1. Lowering the Age of Adult Wages
In March 2014, the Fair Work Commission (FWC) ruled that 20
year old employees (classed as juniors) who are covered by the
General Retail Industry Award will, from the 1st July 2014,
receive the full adult wage rate. This will only apply to workers
who have completed six months continuous service in the same
organisation. This replaces the existing wage determination
where 20 year olds receive 90% of the adult wage rate. Workers
who are covered by this award include general retail shops,
including supermarkets, department stores, clothing stores,
video stores, bakeries and home furniture and appliance stores.
The case was brought by the Shop, Distributive and Allied
Employee’s Union (SDA), who argued workers doing the same
job should receive identical wages. The union’s argument went
further than applying only to 20 year olds. It argued in the
Commission that it was discriminatory to pay 18 to 20 year
olds, who are considered adult in all other aspects of society,
lower wages simply because of their age.

35. The SDA have indicated this is a first step in an ongoing
campaign to have adult pay rates in the retail industry lowered
to include those 18 years and over. Evidence was given to the
FWC that there is no difference in performance expectations
between those aged between 18 and 20, and those aged 21 and
over. Supporters of lowering the age of the adult wage also
argue it will halt discrimination against adult workers who are
often overlooked in favour of younger workers who represent a
cheaper cost to an employer.
Employers have expressed views that lowering the adult rate of
pay will be a further cost to business and will result in job
losses. You are to make a submission, representing one of the
following groups, as to whether the adult pay rate should be
further lowered to include 18 – 19 year old employees. Under
the current Award 18 year olds receive 70% of the adult wage
and 19 year olds receive 80% of the adult wage.
Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees Union:
http://www.sda.org.au/images/news_pics/news_98.pdf
Australian Council of Trade Unions:
http://worksite.actu.org.au/20-year-old-retail-workers-get-adult-
wages/
Australian Retailers Association:
http://www.retail.org.au/ArticleDetails/tabid/232/ArticleID/633/
Retailers-still-fuming-at-FWC-shock-junior-wage-rate-decision-
%E2%80%93-ARA-to-pursue-all-options-to-reverse-
decision.aspx
Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry:
http://www.acci.asn.au/
Fair Work Commission decision:
https://www.fwc.gov.au/documents/decisionssigned/html/2014F
WCFB1846.htm

36. 2. Maintaining Heritage Listed Forests in Tasmania
In late 2013, the Abbott Coalition government requested that
the global environment body UNESCO remove (or de-list)
74,000 hectares from the 170,000 hectares of pristine forest that
had recently been included in the World Heritage estate. The
170,000 hectares listed were part of a negotiated ‘peace deal’
between timber industries, environmentalists, business
communities and governments in an effort to resolve the long
running forestry dispute in Tasmania.
In making its case for de-listing, the Abbott government argued
that the designated 74,000 hectares constituted forest that had
already been degraded due to previous logging, and hence could
not be considered of world heritage value. In addition, the
restoration of 74,000 hectares to the timber industry would
assist this vulnerable industry’s recovery. This was considered
particularly important for timber crafting businesses whose
survival depended on access to rare timbers. Other organisations
argued that the de-listing was also necessary to restore balance
between business and the environment.
Those opposed to the de-listing instead contended that only a
very small proportion of the 74,000 hectares had actually been
disturbed – less than 10 per cent – rendering the government’s
argument obsolete. Australia also threatened its international
reputation by pursing such a de-listing proposal. Others argued
that the de-listing went against the spirit of the Tasmanian
‘peace deal’ which had been largely agreed by all sides in
Tasmania, and which had contributed to relative harmony
between previously bitter rivals. Tourism operators were also
concerned that de-listing would impact negatively on their
businesses.
At the end of June 2014, UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee
rejected the Abbott government’s request to de-list the 74,000
hectares, warning that to do so would set a ‘dangerous

37. precedent’ in the world effort to protect endangered pristine
forests.
The Abbott government has now said that it will consider its
options in the face of its loss, including the possibility of an
appeal.
You are asked to make a submission to the Commonwealth
Government, urging it to either appeal the decision or to accept
UNESCO’s decision. You will be representing one of the
following groups:
Wilderness Society https://www.wilderness.org.au/
Forest Industries Association of Tasmania (FIAT)
http://www.fiatas.com.au/
Tasmanian Special Timbers Alliance
https://www.facebook.com/TasmanianSpecialTimbersAlliance
Australian Environment Foundation
http://aefweb.info/index.php
3. Country of Origin Food Labelling
Many Australians wish to buy locally made or grown products.
They thus look out for ‘Made in Australia’ or ‘Product of
Australia’ labels on the goods they choose to purchase from
supermarkets and elsewhere. These two labels generally signify
that the product has been made in Australia or a significant
proportion of the ingredients have been sourced from Australia
and largely processed here.
This, however, is not necessarily the full labelling story. While
these labels create the impression that products are Australian
made, this is not always the case. For example, some ‘Made in
Australia’ products can be substantially processed in Australia
but not all of the ingredients required to create the food or
beverage are necessarily Australian. Some of these ingredients
could be imported.

38. These labels can thus confuse rather than clarify the issue. The
accuracy and adequacy of this Country of Origin labelling is
hence proving contentious, with consumer groups such as the
Consumers Federation of Australia calling for the system to be
revised so that consumers are more clearly and accurately
informed of their choices. The argument is that consumers who
wish to buy Australian made products should be able to take
these labels at their word.
In response, a House of Representative Standing Committee is
currently undertaking an enquiry into the issue of Country of
Origin labelling, with a view to determining whether sufficient
information is being provided to consumers to enable them to
make informed decisions; and whether Australian consumer
laws are being complied with to their fullest.
While a range of consumer groups and Australian food
businesses, such as Australian Pork Ltd, are urging a review of
the adequacy of current Country of Origin food labelling, other
food organisations like the Australian Food and Grocery
Council are concerned that a requirement for stricter labelling
will prove unduly costly for their businesses and are hence
urging caution.
You are asked to make a submission to the Commonwealth
Government either in support of changes to current Country of
Origin food labelling descriptions, or in support of retaining the
current labelling scheme. You will be representing one of the
following groups:
Australian Pork Ltd http://australianpork.com.au/
Australian Diary Products Federation http://www.adpf.org.au/
Consumers Federation of Australia
http://consumersfederation.org.au/
Australian Food and Grocery Council http://www.afgc.org.au/1.
ESSAY

39. 40%
The Essay is an ALTERNATIVE to the business submission.
DO NOT do both.
Choose one of the following essay questions. Answers can use
examples from any country to illustrate a concept or argument,
provided the examples are relevant.
1. ‘Business and government’s co-dependent relationship gives
business too make influence over political decision making’. Do
you agree? Discuss.
2. ‘Globalisation has significantly reduced the ability of
governments to govern’. Do you agree? Discuss.
3. ‘The neo-liberalist model of GBR is far superior to all the
others’. Do you agree? Discuss.
In the structure of the essay, it is very important that you have a
clear introduction that sets out what argument you are making
and how you intend to make and support it. The body will
consist of points in support of your position. The conclusion
restates the arguments and offers some observations based on
your research.
A minimum of 8 references is required, which should include
academic sources. All material drawn from these references
must be appropriately cited. Use SafeAssign (see Assessment:
General Information above) if unsure.
ESSAYS AND SUBMISSIONS: PRESENTATION &
REQUIREMENTS
Written assignments must conform to the standards specified
below:
* Completed assignment cover sheet (from the library).
*
A title page with your name, student number, title of

40. essay/submission and word length must be included.
*
The font size must be read comfortably.
*
The following examples should be used as a guide: Arial - 10
point and Times Roman - 12 point.
*
Line spacing is either double or 1(.
*
Both margins (left and right) are at least 3 cm.
*
Pages are numbered.
*
References cited in the text conform to the Harvard reference
style. If a reference is taken from a particular page, or pages,
within the article or book, then the page number(s) must be
included. The format should include the author, date of
publication, and page number.
*
When words are taken directly from other sources (books,
articles and web sites) and reproduced in an essay/submission
quotation marks must be used.
*
A reference list is attached and the entries are in alphabetical
order by author.
*
The assignment has been proof read.

41. Please staple the assignment securely in the top left hand
corner, and attach this sheet to the front, after ticking each
entry.
ALWAYS keep a copy of your assignment.
A copy of the above requirements and more tips on essay
writing can be found in the ‘Assessment’ folder at
[email protected]G. There you will also find a sample copy of a
previous essay and one of a business submission by former
students as well as a document that outlines marking standards
for essays and submissions. Please read these documents
carefully. Further information about the essay and the
submission will be provided in the lectures and in tutorials.
2. GUIDED DISCUSSION WITH PEERS
20%
Tutorials are a valuable part of the learning experience. They
are not mini-lectures but rather they provide a forum for you to
explore issues and aspects that interest you, to test ideas and
develop arguments, and to ask questions. The success of a
tutorial depends on its members, their preparation, and a
willingness to play an active role. The tutorial questions
(outlined below) provide a starting point for discussion and the
emphasis will be on exploring current examples and
contemporary issues.
The two components of the tutorial:
(a) 10% of your tutorial mark is based on attendance AND
participation in class discussion with evidence of satisfactory
completion of the required reading, and any other activities as
requested by your tutor. An important note regarding the 10%
allocated for attendance and participation: it is not sufficient to

42. just attend the tutorial; half of the mark is determined by your
level of participation and engagement in tutorial activities and
discussions, as well as evidence that the required reading has
been done.
(b) The other 10% is based on TWO reading reports which will
be collected by your tutors in your week 6 tutorial (week
beginning 1 September) and in your week 12 tutorial (week
beginning 20 October). Each report is worth 5%. Please use the
template provided at [email protected] for each report, which
gives you the necessary guidelines.
All Tutorial enquiries contact the Head Tutor: Ross Ploetz:
[email protected]
3. END OF SEMESTER EXAM
40%
The exam provides you with an opportunity to demonstrate your
understanding of material covered in the course. It will consist
of a choice of short essay questions aimed at testing your
general knowledge of the course material.
Success in exams depends, in the first instance, on having a
good set of lecture notes, which in turn, depends on regular
attendance at both lectures and tutorials, where you get a unique
opportunity to discuss the ideas raised in the lectures. The
questions will be based directly on the lectures as well as the
required readings.
Plagiarism
All work submitted for this course must be original work for
this course alone. When plagiarism is detected, university
policy provides for a range of penalties which can be imposed.
Plagiarism includes:
*
Word for word copying from another source without an

43. appropriate reference
*
Closely paraphrasing material from other sources without
acknowledging the origin
of the material
*
Using another person's ideas without acknowledgment
*
Submitting work which has been produced by someone else
The University Plagiarism / Academic Misconduct Policy states
that:
Students must conduct their studies at the University honestly,
ethically and in accordance with accepted standards of academic
conduct. Any form of academic conduct which is contrary to
these standards is academic misconduct for which the
University may penalise a student. Failing to acknowledge
sources when preparing written assignments, or plagiarism,
constitutes academic misconduct.
In the School of Government and International Relations failure
to acknowledge sources in accordance with the Harvard
referencing system constitutes plagiarism. Work or parts of
work submitted in other courses will not be accepted for
assessment in this course.
Penalties for academic misconduct:
On determination that academic misconduct has taken place, the
penalty which may be imposed on the student is one or more of
the following:

44. a.
a reduced or nil result for the assessment item affected by the
academic misconduct;
b.
a fail grade for the course in which academic misconduct
occurred;
c.
exclusion from enrolment in the program for a specified period;
d.
exclusion from the program; readmission to the program is at
the discretion of the Faculty based on consideration of the
student's case for readmission.
Where a student has been found guilty of academic misconduct
on more than one occasion and has previously been penalised as
set out in above a. - c., the penalty shall normally be exclusion
from the program as set out in d., unless in the opinion of the
relevant Assessment Board there are mitigating circumstances.
Academic Committee Resolution 2/2001
University Expectations
Students enrolling in an on-campus course are expected to have
the capacity and commitment to attend all lectures and tutorials.
They should be prepared to commit approximately 10 hours per
week for each course. These 10 hours include lecture and
tutorial attendance, undertaking weekly readings, reading
newspapers, miscellaneous study activities and assignments
preparation and completion.
LECTURE SCHEDULEWEEKTOPIC
1
INTRODUCTION

45. Business and Government after the Global Financial
CrisisMODULE A: GOVERNMENT AND ITS EFFECT ON
BUSINESS
2
POLITICAL INSTITUTIONS
Constitutions, parliaments and executives
3
PUBLIC HOLIDAY – NO LECTURES OR TUTORIALS
4
POLITICAL ACTORS
Politicians, political parties, interest groups
5
PUBLIC HOLIDAY – NO LECTURES OR TUTORIALS
6
(1) PATTERNS OF GBR – Booms, busts and rise of neo-
liberalism
(2) GLOBALISATION, GOVERNMENT & BUSINESS –
Globalisation’s implications
(1) Booms, busts and rise of neo-liberalism (2) Globalisation &
its implications MODULE B: GOVERNMENT AND BUSINESS
INTERACTIONS
7
(1) GBR in AUSTRALIA – Government & business in Australia
(2) ASSIGNMENT WORKSHOP – Preparing your major
assignment
8
GOVERNMENT BUSINESS RELATIONS IN ASIA

46. China and Japan
9
GOVERNMENT BUSINESS RELATIONS IN THE USA AND
EUROPE
Responsibilities for and responses to the GFC
MODULE C: GBR AND THE SUSTAINABILITY AGENDA
10
GOVERNMENT, BUSINESS AND REGULATION
What is regulation and how does it affect business?
11
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Business responsibility in a global world
12
(1) GOVERNMENT, BUSINESS & ENVIRONMENT – Climate
change & business
(2) THE LABOUR MARKET – Importance of business labour
relations
13CONCLUSIONS AND EXAM PREVIEW
TUTORIAL AND READING GUIDE
Tutorials begin in Week 2 and cover the previous week’s lecture
topics.
Lecture week 1 (for Tutorial in Week 2)
INTRODUCTION
· Why should business students understand government?
· What are some key differences between the market and the
state?
· How should politics be defined?

47. Required Reading
· van Acker et al. (eds) 2013 ‘Politics for Business Students: An
Introduction’, in Politics for Business Students: A Comparative
Introduction, chapter 1.
Lecture week 2 (for Tutorial in Week 3)
POLITICAL INSTITUTIONS: CONSTITUTIONS,
PARLIAMENTS AND EXECUTIVES
· What purpose do constitutions serve?
· What is federalism and how does it impact on business?
· Is the modern executive too powerful?
· What are the key differences between presidential and
parliamentary systems?
Required Reading:
· van Acker et al. (eds) 2013. ‘The Constitutional Foundations
of Government’, in Politics for Business Students: A
Comparative Introduction, chapter 2.
· van Acker et al. (eds) 2013. ‘Federalism and the Structure of
Government’, in Politics for Business Students: A Comparative
Introduction, chapter 3.
· van Acker et al. (eds) 2013. ‘Parliament and the Executive’, in
Politics for Business Students: A Comparative Introduction,
chapter 4.
NO LECTURE OR TUTORIAL IN WEEK 3 – PUBLIC
HOLIDAY
Lecture Week 4 (for Tutorial in Week 6*) *

48. Reading Report #1 Due
POLITICAL ACTORS: POLITICIANS, POLITICAL PARTIES
AND INTEREST GROUPS
· Why do people join interest groups?
· Which interest groups are most effective? Why?
· What roles do political parties play in a democratic system?
· How have political parties changed over time?
· Why do different party systems exist?
Required Reading
· van Acker et al. (eds) 2013. ‘Political Parties and Party
Systems’, in Politics for Business Students: A Comparative
Introduction, chapter 5.
· van Acker et al. (eds) 2013. ‘Interest Groups and Business
Strategies’, in Politics for Business Students: A Comparative
Introduction, chapter 6.
NO LECTURE OR TUTORIAL IN WEEK 5 – PUBLIC
HOLIDAY
Lecture Week 6 (for Tutorial in Week 7)
(1) PATTERNS OF GOVERNMENT BUSINESS RELATIONS
(GBR)
· What were some of the characteristics of GBR during the long
boom?
· What have been some of the characteristics of GBR during the
neo-liberal era?
· Why did neo-liberalism become the dominant approach to
GBR?

49. Required Reading:
· van Acker, E. and Curran, G. 2013. ‘Government and Business
in Volatile Times,’ in Government and Business in Volatile
Times, chapter 2.
· Harvey, D. 2003. ‘Freedom’s Just Another Word…”, in A
Brief History of Neoliberalism. New York: Oxford University
Press, chapter 1, available at [email protected]
(2) GLOBALISATION, GOVERNMENT AND BUSINESS
· What is globalisation?
· What are some the consequences for GBR arising from
globalisation?
· Are governments still useful to business in an era of
globalisation?
Required Reading:
· Halvorson, D. 2013. ‘Political Economy: Historical
Overview,’ in Government and Business in Volatile Times,
chapter 2.
· Hirst, P. and Thompson, G. 2003. ‘Globalization – A
Necessary Myth’, in The Global Transformations Reader: An
Introduction to the Globalization Debate. Held, D. and A.
McGrew (eds). Cambridge: Polity Press. Ch. 7, available at
[email protected]
Lecture Week 7 (for Tutorial in Week 8)
(1) GOVERNMENT BUSINESS RELATIONS IN AUSTRALIA
· How does business influence government in Australia
· Which model of GBR best describes the Australian case?
· Why is the Australian economy considered to be vulnerable?

50. Required Reading:
· Conley, T. 2013. ‘The Great Transformation? The Political
Economy of Structural Change in Australia,’ in Government and
Business in Volatile Times, chapter 6.
(2)ASSIGNMENT WORKSHOP
· Guide to success in preparing the Business Submission/Essay
Lecture Week 8 (for Tutorial in Week 9)
GOVERNMENT BUSINESS RELATIONS IN ASIA: CHINA
AND JAPAN
· How would you describe government business relations in
China?
· What role does the state play in the Japanese model?
· What are the main differences between the Japanese and the
Chinese models?
· What lessons might the rest of the world learn from Japan’s
responses to its ‘lost decades’?
Required Reading:
· Smith, D. 2013. ‘The Debate over China’s Economic Reform:
Bears and Bulls,’ in Government and Business in Volatile
Times, chapter 8.
· Heazle, M. and Kane, J. 2013. ‘Managing Crises: Lessons
from Post-Bubble Japan,’ in Government and Business in
Volatile Times, chapter 7.
Lecture Week 9 (for Tutorial in Week 10)

51. A. GOVERNMENT BUSINESS RELATIONS IN THE USA
· What are some of the distinguishing characteristics of GBR in
the US?
· How much did the US model of GBR contribute to the global
financial crisis?
· How will the US model be affected by the fallout from the
global financial crisis?
Required Reading:
· Kane J. 2013. ‘The Role of the United States in the Global
Financial Crisis,’ in Government and Business in Volatile
Times, chapter 3.
· Wilson, G. 2003. ‘Business and Politics in the United States’,
in Business and Politics: A Comparative Introduction, 3rd
edition. New York: Chatham House, chapter 2, available at
[email protected]
B: GOVERNMENT AND BUSINESS IN EUROPE
· In what different ways have politics and business been
historically conducted in Europe?
· How has the GFC impacted on different European countries
and their social democratic systems?
· How has the grand experiment of the European Union been
called into question by different countries’ responses to the
GFC?
Required Reading:
· Lavelle, A. 2013. ‘Europe in the Age of Austerity: Neo-
Liberalism, Revolt and Reaction,’ in Government and Business
in Volatile Times, chapter 5.

52. Lecture Week 10 (for Tutorial in Week 11)
GOVERNMENT, BUSINESS AND REGULATION
· Why is government regulation needed?
· What is market failure?
· Is regulation a positive or a negative for business?
Required Reading:
· Hollander, R. 2013. ‘Rethinking Regulation after the Crash,’
in Government and Business in Volatile Times, chapter 9.
Lecture Week 11 (for Tutorial in Week 12*)
*Reading Report #2 Due
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
· What is understood by the term ‘corporate social
responsibility’ or CSR?
· Which factors underlie the increased importance of CSR in the
business world?
· Do states still have a role to play in the maintenance of the
‘common good’?
Required Reading:
· O’Faircheallaigh, C. 2013. ‘Corporate Social Responsibility
and Globalisation,’ in Government and Business in Volatile
Times, chapter 10.
Lecture Week 12 (for Tutorial in Week 13)

53. (1) GOVERNMENT, BUSINESS AND THE ENVIRONMENT
· How does Global Warming impact on business?
· Is there a trade-off between environmental sustainability and
business interests?
· Is an Emissions Trading Scheme the best way of reducing
greenhouse gases?
Required Reading:
· Curran, G. 2013. ‘The Climate Challenge: Reconciling the
Collective and National Interest,’ in Government and Business
in Volatile Times, chapter 12.
(2) GOVERNMENT, BUSINESS LABOUR MARKET & THE
CHALLENGE OF CLIMATE CHANGE
· Can governments develop adequate regulation that pleases
both business and labour?
· Can business in Australia continue to pay high wages and
remain competitive in a global market?
Required Reading:
· Van Acker, E. 2013. ‘Conflicts in the Labour Market:
Domestic Challenges in a Global Environment,’ in Government
and Business in Volatile Times, chapter 11.
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