Malcolm Turnbull (Wentworth, Liberal Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Hansard source

The group that profited from trading away penalty rates was of course the Australian Workers' Union. They got payments from Cleanevent and other companies again and again. They also profited from getting membership lists.

In the Cirque du Soleil agreement paragraph 4 states the intentions of the parties. This is what they are: 'integrity and dedication'—long known as the hallmark of that union!—'teamwork and effective communication, a productive attitude towards industrial relations and the development of cross-training of the workforce.' Then when you get to paragraph 8 on rates of pay it says: 'The rates contained have been calculated as an all-purpose rate to be used for all hours worked. As such, no additional penalty rates shall be applicable.' There it is. There is no doubt who is responsible. It was signed by the then national secretary of the Australian Workers' Union, the Leader of the Opposition. There it is in his own hand. He traded away penalty rates entirely. He gave them away. He put in his preamble that he was dedicated to integrity and dedication. He certainly was not dedicated to maintaining penalty rates then. When he had the opportunity to protect them, he traded them away. When he had the opposition to state what his position was in respect of the Fair Work Commission, he committed to support its decision, to accept its independence and to stand for the independence of the umpire. Now he has walked away from that. He cannot keep one position for any period of time longer than—(Time expired)

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