The draft Workplace Relations Framework report from the Productivity Commission is a good start for considering structural change to help boost economic activity in Australia.
What we need next is a respectful debate involving all stakeholders rather. Unfortunately, already, on social media and in mainstream media we are seeing unions and employer groups sticking to their corners and not respectfully exploring changes that could benefit the broader economy.
The draft report offers an endorsement of workplace reforms by Labor while at the same time putting the topic of weekend penalty rates on the table for discussion.
In terms of weekend penalty rates and Sunday rates in particular, the current rates make us uncompetitive and hold back employment opportunities in my view. I’d like Sunday rates to match Saturday. That said, I’d like to discuss this in a calm and respectful way.
Newsagents with an opinion on this ought to attend an upcoming public hearing or make a submission by September 18.