Opposition Set To BLOCK Penalty Rate Cuts

The Federal Opposition is set to clinch a Senate victory on its bill to block the Fair Work Commission's (FWC) recent penalty rates decision, in a move that will put further pressure on Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull to intervene.

One Nation, the Nick Xenophon Team and crossbench senator Derryn Hinch reversed their positions and will now back Labor's bill when it is debated in the Upper House tomorrow. 

It comes as the Senate last night passed, as a matter of urgency, a motion condemning the Prime Minister's, "lack of empathy for Australian workers who rely on penalty rates to make ends meet".

During that debate, Senator Hinch openly acknowledged public pressure and a "very clever campaign" run by Labor had forced him to change his long-held position on penalty rates.

"I believe they should be the same as Saturday rates … on this I supported the umpire's decision," he said.

"But in my maiden speech I promised I would listen. I have decided now to go to the third umpire, and the third umpire's decision is that cuts to Sunday penalty rates are O-U-T, out!"