House debates Questions without Notice
Workplace Relations
Stephen Smith Perth, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Industry, Infrastructure and Industrial Relations
2:59 pm
My question is again to the Treasurer and Acting Prime Minister. I again refer to the Spotlight AWA, which satisfies the government’s minimum legislative standards. I refer to a full-time adult employee, who under the Spotlight AWA will work a roster including Thursday night finishing at 9 pm and a seven-hour shift on a Saturday and Sunday. Isn’t it the case that this employee will be paid around $90 less than a fellow employee on the award?
Peter Costello Higgins, Liberal Party, Treasurer
No, I do not accept for a moment the proposition that is put forward by the honourable member. As I said earlier, under the government’s industrial relations reforms we have the Australian Fair Pay Commission standard and we have the opportunity for employers and employees to come to agreements. It will be a system which is in the interests of employers and employees. This government stands for 1.7 million jobs, unlike the Labor Party. This government stands for real wages and real wage increases, unlike the Labor Party. We know that the member for Perth has been instructed by the trade union movement to lift his game. We know that he is under threat of being moved—
Kim Beazley Brand, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition
Mr Speaker, I raise a point of order. A very explicit question was asked.
Peter Costello Higgins, Liberal Party, Treasurer
Mr Costello interjecting
Kim Beazley Brand, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition
You have finished, have you? Terrific! A very explicit question was asked of him. He routinely evades them.
