Penalty cuts great for city

THE slashing of Sunday and public holiday penalty rates is a big win for the Far North’s tourism, retail and hospitality sectors.

While it will mean a reduction in pay for those workers who have worked on Sundays and on public holidays, it will mean that more people will be employed and existing staff given more hours.

The result is that more businesses will be able to open on these days and provide better service to visitors and tourists.

Many employers have not opened on Sundays and, more particularly on public holidays, because it cost too much and in many cases they made a loss.

Often visitors, especially from overseas, who expect shops, cafes and restaurants to be open on public holidays and Sundays, are found wandering the streets of Cairns aimlessly looking for places to have a meal, a coffee or buy a souvenir.

It will mean a more vibrant city providing the capacity for visitors to spend more money.

Yesterday’s decision did not result in the abolishment of penalty rates altogether, but is a more sensible approach to how penalty rates are applied so small and medium businesses can continue to thrive and employ.

The reductions are crucial for the prosperity of the retail, tourism, accommodation and hospitality sectors.

Most of these businesses operate outside of standard trading hours, providing goods and services to visitors after they have returned from Reef, rainforest and other day tours.

The outcome will make Cairns a far more attractive and competitive destination for travellers. Nick Dalton nick.dalton@news.com.au