Page 1348 - Week 04 - Thursday, 30 March 2017
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Penalty rates are a representation of our social contract and have been part of Australia’s social and economic fabric for more than 100 years … any attempt to reduce penalty rates represents an erosion of this social contact.
Last week the Chief Minister and I signed a further submission to the commission in response to its consideration of transitional arrangements, calling on it to set aside its decision. This letter states the ACT government’s position plainly, and that is:
There are no transitional arrangements which could ameliorate these impacts or prevent significant disadvantage to workers affected by this decision.
Opposition members interjecting—
Ms Berry: On a point of order—
MADAM SPEAKER: Can you stop the clock please, Clerk.
Ms Berry: The conversation is continuing while I am drawing your attention to it, Madam Speaker.
MADAM SPEAKER: We are on question 3 and I think I have called the opposition to order under standing orders. Just in case Mrs Jones wants to ask again, she can go with standing order 31 or 61, which is about people on the floor talking should not be subject to interruption. Minister.
MS STEPHEN-SMITH: Thank you Madam Speaker. As I was saying, the Chief Minister’s and my letter states the ACT government’s position:
There are no transitional arrangements which could ameliorate these impacts or prevent significant disadvantage to workers affected by this decision.
The changes will affect thousands of Canberrans who are employed under the fast food award, the retail award, the hospitality award, the pharmacy award, the clubs award and the restaurant award.
The ACT government has been vocal in reiterating our support for the current penalty rates regime and our strong opposition to the Fair Work Commission’s proposed changes that would bring about a significant reduction in pay for thousands of Canberra workers. Labor will stand up for these workers because we believe that workers deserve to be compensated for working unsociable hours, and Sundays remain for most of us a time for socialising, spending time with family or playing sport.
Public housing—Weston Creek
MS LE COUTEUR: My question is to the Minister for Housing and Suburban Development. It relates to last night’s community meeting regarding the PDA application consultation on the proposed special housing development in
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