Australian Shipping and Neo-Corporatism: its Rise and Decline

Abstract

This article examines the rise and fall of neo-corporatist negotiating systems in the Australian shipping industry from the early 1980s to the present. It argues that this rise and fall reflects dynamics internal to the industry and not necessarily present at the national level. The pivotal role of the state in promoting new forms of industrial relations, and eventually withdrawing support for them, is discussed in the context of changes and ambiguities in industry policy.