Ken O'Dowd (Flynn, National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr Anthony Comino is a long-term businessman who has centred his business in Emerald. He has been operating the Western Gateway Motel for 30 years plus. For the first time he has made a decision to close his restaurant on Sunday nights and public holidays. He cited the main reason as: 'I can't afford to pay the penalty rates.' Saturdays are at time and a quarter, Sundays are at double time and public holidays are at double time and a half. Another accommodation owner in Gladstone does not employ people to clean and make up his rooms on Sundays or public holidays. Where are we going as a nation? Tourism bodies must be shaking their heads.

People who want to work at a lower hourly rate on a Sunday—say, at time and a half—to make ends meet cannot work. They are simply not given the opportunity, because some of these once viable businesses are now struggling to survive. Retailers and hospitality employers are also trying to overcome the difficulties that are presented to them with these ever so high penalty rates forced on them on the weekends. Surely awards should be used to maximise employment, not the polar opposite.