Tanya Plibersek (Sydney, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Leader of the Opposition) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Thank you, Mr Speaker. My question is to the Prime Minister. How many women will have their pay cut because of the penalty rates decision, and what will this do to the gender pay gap in Australia?

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

There are over 600,000 workers affected.

Ms Plibersek interjecting—

Tony Smith (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The member for Sydney!

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

My information is that the gender balance in the retail trade sector is 55.5 per cent female and 44.5 per cent male, and in the accommodation and food services sector it is 53.4 per cent female and 46.6 per cent male. While the Fair Work Commission said that it did have regard to this, it noted there was a report which suggested that, of the hospitality workers who receive penalty rates, 50.7 per cent are male, compared to 49.3 per cent who are female. I am just quoting from the evidence that was being presented.

Ms Macklin interjecting—

Tony Smith (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The member for Jagajaga!

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

I am sure that there is more material in the decision—

Mr Dutton interjecting—

Tony Smith (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Minister for Immigration and Border Protection is warned.

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

but, overall, there are somewhat more females than males working in those sectors, but it is not clear, in terms of those who are receiving penalty rates and will be affected by the decision, that the balance is markedly different between men and women. If I can take the question on notice, I will arrange for the minister to provide further information to the honourable member.