Media release: O'FARRELL'S LAWS WORSE THAN WORKCHOICES

Opposition Leader John Robertson said the proposed changes are worse than the Howard Government's WorkChoices laws.

"The Premier has outdone John Howard and Peter Costello with this unprecedented attack on the rights at work of nurses, teachers and police," he said.

"Barry's O'Farrell's bill is worse than WorkChoices.

"Under these changes, the Premier could decide that from July 1, the Government's policy is to reduce annual leave entitlements for nurses, teachers and police - and the independent umpire would be bound to enforce it.

"Every single condition of employment is now at risk including wages, penalty rates, nurse ratios, shift allowances, sick leave, long service leave and maternity leave.

"Never before has a Government sought to so drastically reduce the ability of the independent umpire to resolve disputes between workers and employers.

"The O'Farrell Government has targeted the men and women in our community who keep us safe, who care for the sick and who teach our children.

"These changes put at risk the wages and conditions of more than 300,000 workers across NSW.

"Barry O'Farrell said he wanted to help ease cost of living pressures for families.

"Instead, the Premier is cutting the wages of ordinary mums and dads, teachers and nurses, who are trying to make ends meet," said Mr Robertson.