This debate was centered on amendments to the Workplace Relations Amendment (Workchoices) Act 2005. These amendments ensure a strong safety net for employees and employers when trading off entitlements.

JOYCE—He always tries to do the right
thing; you have to give it to him. He is always a fair
arbiter of the way the debate is going. It is right that
you should get on the record, Minister, because people
are listening to the broadcast of this, whether you know
of anyone who offers 45c an hour for the delivery of
overtime penalty rates and allowances. I think it is fundamentally
important that the Australian people understand
the integrity and the philosophical conceit of the
argument that is purported to come from the other
side—that dinner, breakfast and lunch are put on the
table by an individual contract that allows as payment
for overtime penalties and allowances a paltry amount
of 45c an hour. I have a business and, if I were to offer
that to my employees, it would be a complete and utter
insult. I would not do it. I let my employees determine
their overtime penalties and allowances because I want
to keep them. I ask you, Minister, so that all the people
driving home from work tonight might hear of it: do
you know of a business in this nation that offers 45c an
hour for overtime penalties and allowances?