The Sauce: Chris Minns swings from tough rail negotiations to the golf course
A stony-faced Chris Minns confronted rail union representatives in his boardroom for crisis talks ahead of looming strike action last week. But what exactly did he say to them? Read The Sauce.
NSW
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It was a stony-faced Premier Chris Minns who confronted the assembled rail union representatives in his boardroom for crisis talks ahead of looming strike action last week.
“You rail (the next word here has become the subject of vigorous debate) are tough negotiators,” the Premier declared as he sat down with the 15 combined rail union leaders for almost two days of talks.
But while he managed to temporarily stave off a crippling shutdown, the union revolt is far from over, as members demand pay rises similar to police, teachers and paramedics.
As Minns works out what he is going to do with the rail unions over their pay demands, the Fire Brigade Employees Union (FBEU) – which represents more than 6000 fireys – is warning its wages fight is far from over.
In a message to members on Friday, the union accused NSW Fire and Rescue and the Minns government of being “hellbent” on blocking reform, “denying fair wage increase, and winding back our previous gains”.
“The approach from FRNSW and the government is dangerous, both for members and the NSW community, and the FBEU will continue to fight it,” the message said.
The NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association (NSWNMA) has also failed to budge the government on its pay demands, despite an eight-month fight.
Despite the looming unrest, Minns appeared not to have a care in the world as he took a swing at the official opening of Shortees golf club on the northern beaches on Saturday.
The club was recently rebranded by new owners Scott Williams and Clint Newton.
Minns, who also squeezed in official visits to the Aerotropolis, a Nepalese festival and a Penrith fundraiser, was joined by independent Pittwater MP Jacqui Scruby at the golf club.
PARTY POLITICS
The last sitting day at NSW parliament was marked with a host of soirees, but only one featured a Sweet Caroline sing-a-long.
Former federal Liberal candidate Katherine Deves and ex-ABC chairman Maurice Newman were among the 100 or so guests at a soiree put on by Upper House MP Rachel Merton. Liberal leader Mark Speakman also held Christmas drinks.
But arguably the rowdiest reception was hosted by Lower House Speaker Greg Piper, after a few of the guests — led by Nationals MP Kevin Anderson and music teacher-turned-Labor MP Sally Quinnell — decided the “ordinary Christmas background music” was not going to cut it.
The two MPs sourced a guitar, a drum kit and two other musically-minded guests to put on an impromptu live show, ending with a rousing rendition of Sweet Caroline.
FAREWELL TOURS
NSW Nationals MPs Bronnie Taylor and Sam Farraway managed to squeeze in one last study tour before announcing their respective resignations.
Taylor’s trip from March to April cost $20,500, while Farraway went on a $19,000 trip in April.
Got some Sauce? Email linda.silmalis@news.com.au
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