Cabinet papers 2005: WorkChoices, Afghanistan and climate change take centre stage

In 2005, the Howard government introduced the controversial WorkChoices industrial relations reforms, which replaced the 'no disadvantage test' with a limited safety net of five conditions, removed unfair dismissal protections for small businesses, and restricted union power. The reforms, effective March 27 2006, sparked a major ACTU-led 'Your Rights at Work' campaign that contributed to the government's 2007 election defeat. Cabinet also approved a $1 billion aid package for tsunami-affected Indonesia in February 2005 and extended cooperation with Indonesia on defense and counter-terrorism in June 2005. In security, Australia deployed Special Forces to Afghanistan in 2005, marking the start of a 16-year mission involving 3,000 personnel. Meanwhile, ministers Alexander Downer and Ian Campbell warned Cabinet about climate change consequences, leading to Howard's 2007 emissions trading scheme proposal. The government also maintained operations in Iraq, Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, and monitored instability in Fiji.