Judith Sloan (The Australian, June 7) hit the nail on the head when writing that Bill Shorten would be happy to have the ‘independent’ Fair Work Commission rule on penalty rates so long as the tribunal agrees with Labor’s position.

To the outside world it may appear remarkable for the Opposition Leader to change his tune midway through the election campaign from ‘respecting’ the FWC’s independence to being ‘very confident’ that Labor’s argument would be upheld.

Those with any knowledge of the unprecedented restructuring and politicisation of the ‘independent’ tribunal under Labor’s six years in government would be far from surprised.

The full Opinion Editorial by AREEA chief executive Steve Knott, was published in The Australian newspaper on 10 June 2016.