NEWCASTLE — "The worst ALP government is as bad as the best Liberal government", Kevin Maher, Newcastle and Central Coast secretary of the Australian Workers Union, told a public sector pay rally on July 30. About 60 AWU unionists, as well as members of services, teachers and public service unions, rallied outside the office of MP for the Hunter and NSW treasurer Michael Costa.
Assistant Trades Hall Council secretary Peter McPherson promised that there would be more rallies if Costa continues to refuse to allow pay increases above 2.5%. Kel Graham, a Police Association Hunter Region executive member, also spoke. There was a strong police presence at the rally, apparently in support, as the police were refusing to issue fines for minor infractions that day.