Fed: Fair Pay boss calls for moral framework

AAP General News (Australia)
08-07-2006
Fed: Fair Pay boss calls for moral framework

CANBERRA, Aug 7 AAP - The future prosperity of Australia's economy depends on a strong
moral framework, the head of the Fair Pay Commission says.

"No human economy can succeed without a substrate of ethical and cultural values,"

Professor Ian Harper told a Christian conference at Parliament House today.

Prof Harper was joined by a long list of politicians from both sides of the benches.

Former Nationals leader John Anderson, opposition foreign affairs spokesman Kevin Rudd
and Liberal moderate Bruce Baird were among more than a dozen politicians who hosted the
conference.

While not speaking in a formal capacity in his job as the man who sets the federal
minimum wage, there was strong media interest in Prof Harper's speech.

Citing the prominent role of Beaconsfield reverend Frances Seen, Prof Harper said Christianity
came to the fore when necessary.

"It seems that, in spite of the seemingly relentless progress of secularism into the
homes and lives of everyday Australians, Christianity is still a quietly bubbling spring
not far below the surface of our culture," he said.

The Reverend Seen led nationwide prayers for the safe return of Beaconsfield miners
Brant Webb and Todd Russell after they were buried underground earlier this year.

Prof Harper said Christianity had been one of the great positive impacts on the nation
since colonisation.

However, he was careful not to position Christianity as a fix-all.

"This does not mean that economic hardship and suffering magically disappear with the
establishment of a Christianised culture," Prof Harper said.

AAP pv/sb/apm/sd

KEYWORD: WORKPLACE HARPER (PIX AVAILABLE)

) 2006 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.