Attorney-General and Minister for Industrial Relations
The Honourable Cameron Dick
07/10/2010
Christmas-New Year workers to be paid penalty rates
Employees who work on Christmas and New Year's Day this summer will be entitled to penalty rates as a result of new laws passed by State Parliament today.
Industrial Relations Minister Cameron Dick said the Holidays Amendment Act 2010 ensured that workers would receive fair compensation for having to sacrifice special time with family and friends this Christmas.
"While many workers enjoy public holidays over the Christmas-New Year period, some occupations are required to work through this period," Mr Dick said.
"For the inconvenience of being separated from their families, particularly on Christmas Day, workers are usually eligible to receive extra financial reward through penalty rates.
"But in the past, this benefit has been denied to workers when Christmas Day and New Year's Day have fallen on a Saturday.
"The legislation that has been put passed today by the Bligh Labor Government now means workers will get some financial reward for sacrificing special time with their families and friends.
"This legislation means that this summer, Queenslanders who have to work on these special days - and who are required to be away from their families - will get the penalty rates they deserve.
"Actual penalty rates will depend on the applicable awards and agreements, but public holidays typically attract payment at double time and a half.
"The new provisions will benefit employees in a range of services and industries, including health, emergency services, hospitality, accommodation, tourism, retail and mining."
Mr Dick said the new provisions brought Queensland into line with other states such as New South Wales, Victoria and Western Australia.
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COMMENT: This is a long overdue but very welcome decision in support of Queensland workers. Cameron Dick is fast proving himself Premier material!
