Totally concur with DK and Wiley
except the industrial legislative framework then introduced by Labour was not as specific in individual terms as the current AWA's and therefore was not as practical to apply. It's easy nowadays, get the sucker to sign away all his/her rights before commencement and give all control to the employer - very much open to abuse.
Besides , its not a labour -liberal thing, its an employer-employee thing.
I see no indication that Australian Management (including middle mans and those aspirinational yes-men) will not abuse these AWA's to serve their own interests.
Slippery slope, if you give in easily, they'll just take more.