Murray Watt (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Minister for the Environment and Water) Share this | Hansard source

I might answer that question by dealing with this point around retrospectivity, which I know has been a concern of various groups, around this bill. As with all changes to the modern awards framework, once the bill is passed, which we expect it will be, parties will be able to apply to vary modern awards in line with the amended framework, so it's prospective in its operation. Even without this legislation, applications could be brought to test existing exemption rates against the modern award's objective. This reform strengthens protections that already exist. However, nothing in this bill requires the commission or parties to take immediate action in relation to existing exemption rates, except to comply with their current award obligations.