Small business owners have scored a win with the Federal Court upholding a Fair Work Commission decision earlier this year to cut penalty rates for hospitality, retail and fast-food workers. The decision had been challenged by the United Voice, representing hospitality workers and the Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees Association representing retail workers. In its decision earlier today Federal Court Judge Mordy Bromberg said the court's role was restricted to determin

The 2017-2018 financial year will shift business operating boundaries via some positive initiatives affecting penalty rates and GST. Changes to penalty rates For businesses that already exist – or are planning to start – in the hospitality, retail and fast-food industries, the first wave of penalty rate changes made by the Federal Government will take effect on 1 July 2017. Public holiday rates will change from this date, with changes to Sunday rates to be phased in over thr