Workplace Relations

The same number of Senators voted for and against the motion introduced by Labor Senator Doug Cameron, which means it failed. The motion related to a Fair Work Commission ruling that "Sunday and public holiday penalty rates will be reduced for full-time and part-time workers in the hospitality, retail and fast-food industries".

Motion text

That the Senate—

(a) notes that:

(i) the decision of the Fair Work Commission, in relation to penalty rates in matter AM2014/305, will result in reductions to the take home pay of up to 700,000 workers employed in retail, hospitality and pharmacies, and

(ii) in its decision, the Fair Work Commission found that reductions in penalty rates will cause hardship to employees affected by the decision; and

(b) expresses its opposition to reductions in penalty rates that reduce the take home pay of Australian workers now and in the future.