Libs defend wage cuts

WORKPLACE Minister Craig Laundy has defended the latest round of penalty rate cuts, arguing the decision was made by the independent industrial umpire.

The second round of penalty rate cuts took effect yesterday. Mr Laundy said the Labor Party set up the body that decided on penalty rates.

“The one guiding light is the independence of the Fair Work Commission and that’s what we are standing up for,” he said yesterday.

He pledged to vote against Labor’s legislation to stop the penalty wage cuts.