Leyonhjelm/Day to introduce Bill to remove penalty rates
Retail, hospitality and tourism businesses across Australia will receive a huge shot in the arm if penalty rates on weekends are removed.
So says Senator David Leyonhjelm of the Liberal Democrats who will introduce a Bill next week to do just that, co-sponsored by Senator Bob Day of Family First.
This coincides with the release of a draft report today from the Productivity Commission recommending that the highest weekend penalty rates be removed to create jobs and boost Australia’s economy.
Senator Leyonhjelm says it is no surprise the report shows that removing the highest penalty rates means more people will be employed.
“Many businesses report it is not worth opening on weekends because of penalty rates. This disadvantages workers,” Senator Leyonhjelm said. “Our Bill will give workers greater choice about when they want to work, and employers will still be allowed to offer penalty rates if they so wish.”
Senator Day said that the modern global economy meant the workplace regulation system needed a major upgrade.
“If David and I succeed in giving people the freedom to decide for themselves what pay rates they will work for then thousands of jobs will be created across Australia,” Senator Day said. “We hope that this will be a first step towards modernising workplace regulation to give employees the freedom they expect and need to get a job.”
Copies of the proposed Bill and Explanatory Memorandum may be downloaded below.
Penalty Rates Exemption for Small Businesses Explanatory Memorandum
