Australian unions have welcomed the Albanese Government’s introduction of a Bill to protect penalty and overtime rates for 2.6 million award-reliant workers, marking the first workplace legislation introduced in the
new Parliament.

The legislation delivers on a key election commitment to prevent employers from reducing workers’ take-home pay by cutting penalty rates.

Under the proposed Bill, employers cannot cut penalty rates of award-reliant workers, who are disproportionately low-paid women, young people, and those in part-time and insecure work. This
protects the safety net for all workers.

Unions will oppose any attempts to undermine basic workplace entitlements, said ACTU Secretary Sally McManus.

“Fair protections like penalty rates matter most to the people who can least afford to lose out, including
young workers, women, casual workers and those in part-time jobs.

“This was a key election promise, and we thank the Albanese Government for making it one of their first priorities. We call on all political parties to respect the election's outcome and pass this law.”