Combet Honoured

ACTU secretary Greg Combet has been named a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) - one of the highest civilian honour that can be bestowed on an Australian. Though many outlets are reporting that it is (quite justifiably), for his work for sufferers of asbestos diseases, the official gazette reads:

For service to industrial relations and through advocacy for the improved health and safety of workers, including people affected by asbestos-related diseases, and to the community.

Combet is reported to be `pleasantly surprised' by the high honour.

The same, I imagine, could not be said of the Prime Minister, who will probably have to shake the hand of his mortal enemy at some point when he helps hand over an award that recognises the importance of the fight against one of his major policies.

It is also important to note that under WorkChoices, many of the tactics Combet used in his advocacy for sufferers of asbestos related diseases - in particular, utilizing unions in fights not directly related to their contracts (for example, the CFMEU's successful battle to save The Rocks by imposing green bans on the area) are now illegal and can cost a five figure fine.