The Liberal party may hark to 1929 when the public acts statutes (page 414 Div.15. Rule 53) states the minimum weekly wage is at least two shillings and sixpence, 25 , unless related by first or second degree by blood or marriage. That was for 40 hours. Today's minimum is $641, which for a family of five is about $200 below the poverty line and about $700 below the average wage.

The basic wage was calculated by the court to be sufficient to maintain a dignified living for a man's family. It has now fallen by the wayside as the powerful with excellent negotiating skills forge ahead, as regrettably we now discover that we have gifted to our government at the election a mandate to attack the most vulnerable with weak industrial muscles, along with the sick and HECS students.

Some confused angry voters may not have fully understood this mandate jargon pre-election, albeit secret, but at least it is all being clarified now.