Penalty rates decision pushed back

The Fair Work Commission is pushing back a decision on the politically explosive issue of penalty rates.

Fair Work Commission president Iain Ross.

The Fair Work Commission is pushing back a decision on the politically explosive issue of penalty rates, agreeing to hear further evidence until at least June 3.

The new timetable means it is now unlikely a decision will arise before the July 2 federal poll.

The Commission adjourned deliberations on cutting weekend and public holiday penalty rates following a bloc of “final hearings” this month.

Under the Commission’s own benchmarks — where it aspires to issue rulings on decisions within eight to 12 weeks — a decision was expected ahead of the July 2 federal election.

However, the Commission’s expert panel, which is considering cutting penalty rates for workers in retail and hospitality led by President Iain Ross, issued a new timetable today.

It allows parties to make further submissions until June 3. The Commission has also left the door open for further oral hearings.

The extra five weeks has been allocated after a deluge of submissions objecting to cuts to penalty rates from SDA union members, which were filed before the final hearing block.

Unions have vowed to fight against any cuts to penalty rates ordered by the Commission under their “save our weekend” campaign which is targeting the Coalition in marginal seats.

However, Bill Shorten said last week that Labor would abide by any decision to cut penalty rates handed down by the Commission.

Proceedings in the penalty rates case began in early December 2014.