Tom Elliott: Penalty rates must stay

Memories of an absent father have prompted to Tom Elliott to come out in defence of penalty rates.

• HOW IT STARTED: Malcolm Turnbull puts penalty rates back on agenda in 3AW interview

When I was growing up my father worked very hard, and as a result he did not spend a great deal of time with the family; birthdays were missed, sporting events were missed, sometimes Christmas was missed.

There was always a reason; there was always work.

But I think my dad now regrets that.

I don’t want to make the same mistakes. I want to enjoy my daughter growing up. I want to be there on the weekends.

If we require people to work on Saturdays and Sundays – particularly if they’re old enough to be parents – I think you need to pay them a bit extra.

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