When asked about abolishing penalty rates at a Liberal Party organised forum in Kingston, South Australia, Mr Abbott indicated he believed the only way to bring this about would be for a federal government to pressure the independent umpire to strip back penalty rates.
ABBOTT: I think the best way forward, at least initially, is to try to ensure that the award situation does maximise employment, and at the moment we are not maximising employment by closing down businesses and preventing people from getting jobs.
I am confident that if the government were to back, for argument’s sake, applications to the Fair Work Commission for adjustments in this area it may well be successful.
TONY ABBOTT – PUBLIC FORUM, KINGSTON SA – 29 APRIL 2013
Mr Abbott’s prescription for increasing jobs growth is to reduce pay and conditions.
Tony Abbott must immediately rule out ever supporting applications which reduce the pay and conditions of Australian workers.
Tony Abbott has confirmed one of the worst aspects of WorkChoices – undermining and cutting penalty rates - is a key part of his workplace policy. No wonder he continues to keep the details of his workplace relations policy in witness protection.
In stark contrast, the Gillard Government has always supported the right of Australian workers to be properly compensated for working unsociable hours or on public holidays when we all want to be with friends and family.
