The Productivity Commission released a Workplace Relations Framework draft report that supports a cut in weekend penalty rates, unfair dismissal reform and a new statutory “enterprise contract” between small business and workers.
However, Prime Minister Tony Abbott stated that he would not alter the industrial relations regime during this term of government, and that any changes to penalty rates would need to be made by the industrial umpire.
The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry said that the framework demonstrates steps to prepare the workplace relations system for the future by highlighting several areas where greater flexibility could be introduced.