PUBLIC VS PRIVATE EMPLOYERS ON NEW-SOUTH-WALES PUBLIC-WORKS, 1890-1910

NSW public works construction was the scene of rising controversy as c ontractors and public officials vied for the budgets at stake. For the Public Works Department, political considerations were paramount in d eciding between the two systems. Such considerations could either rein force or override the weight of expert and public opinion and be exten ded to determine questions of workforce control under day labour. Host ility to union involvement in workplace control weakened day labour's political position. Because of its relative autonomy from government p olicy and complete control of workplace discipline, the Water Board co uld gradually vary operations in line with experience.