Stephen Smith (Perth, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Industry, Infrastructure and Industrial Relations) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is also to the Prime Minister and it relates to the Spotlight AWA. I refer the Prime Minister to statements today by the general manager of marketing of Spotlight stores that Spotlight’s AWA is being offered because:

We are doing what we were told by the legislators. We are not the ones writing the laws. Like any other legislation we fall under, we follow it.

Prime Minister, isn’t it the case that, consistent with the government’s legislation, the AWA offered by Spotlight gives 2c an hour for losing penalty rates, overtime payments, public holiday pay rates, annual leave loading, rest breaks and incentive based payments and bonuses?

Mrs Bronwyn Bishop (Mackellar, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr Speaker, there are two points of order that are relevant. Firstly, that question was asked yesterday and was fully answered. Secondly, even if you rule otherwise, it is asking for an opinion and that also is against the standing orders.

David Hawker (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank the member for Mackellar. I will listen carefully. The member for Perth has not completed his question. I call member for Perth and ask him to come to his question.

Stephen Smith (Perth, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Industry, Infrastructure and Industrial Relations) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Prime Minister, isn’t Spotlight doing what the government’s legislation wants it to do—starting a 2c race to the bottom?

David Hawker (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The last part of that question was not necessary.

John Howard (Bennelong, Liberal Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

No.