An Essential poll released on March 7 found 56% of voters disapprove of the Fair Work Commission’s decision to cut penalty rates in the retail, hospitality, fast food and pharmacy industries, while 32% approve.
Asked what would be the result of the cuts, 57% said businesses would make bigger profits; only 24% thought more people would be employed.
On whether the government should legislate to protect penalty rates, 51% said yes while 31% said it should accept the decision.
The poll also gave Labor a 52–47 two-party preferred lead over the Coalition and found support for Malcolm Turnbull as preferred Liberal leader has halved from 42% to 20% since he came to power.
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