Senate debates penalty rates report

Any changes to penalty rates would have to go before the Fair Work Commission and be taken to a federal election first, Employment Minister Eric Abetz says.

He was asked in parliament on Monday whether he supported a draft recommendation of the Productivity Commission to cut Sunday penalty rates in the retail and hospitality industries.

Senator Abetz said it was a matter to be decided by the independent commission and if the coalition agreed to any workplace law changes they would be taken to the election, due next year.