A Sydney Liberal has leapt to the defence of Ann Sudmalis, saying she was “correct” to label penalty rate cuts “a gift” for young job seekers – as the Gilmore MP herself went to ground.
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Ms Sudmalis came under repeated attack from the Opposition in Federal Parliament this week after she told the Mercury that planned cuts to Sunday and public holiday penalties would be “a gift for our young people to get a foot in the door of employment”.
On Wednesday, the second day in a row of Labor-led attacks over the comment, the Liberal MP broke down in the chamber and was seen wiping away tears.
Having endured one of her toughest weeks in politics, Ms Sudmalis refused to comment when approached by the Mercury on Thursday.
Numerous attempts were made to contact the MP.
A list of emailed questions – including whether she stood by the comments – went unanswered.
“We have no further comments to make on the matter at this time,” a spokesman said.
In a general statement on Wednesday, the MP said the penalty rate review process was set up by the former Labor government and its attacks were “hypocritical”.
Ms Sudmalis’ Liberal Party colleague, Member for Hughes Craig Kelly, was more forthcoming – taking to Facebook in support of the embattled MP.
“CFMEU thugs and Bill Shorten have attacked Ann Sudmalis … because she dared to tell the truth,” Mr Kelly wrote, also repeating Ms Sudmalis’ quote and saying it was “exactly correct”.
Mr Kelly also praised Ms Sudmalis’ actions: “Good on you Ann for telling the truth, and sticking up for young kids that want a job.”
The Gilmore MP sparked the outcry with comments she made to the Mercury on Monday.
“It’s not cutting wages, it’s opening the door for more hours of employment and in a regional area like Gilmore, with almost double the national youth unemployment, that’s a gift; that is a gift for our young people to get a foot in the door of employment,” Ms Sudmalis said of the cuts.
On Tuesday, Ms Sudmalis reacted angrily when Opposition Leader Bill Shorten asked the Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull, if she was describing government policy in the comment. The Speaker, Tony Smith, had to tell her to stop interjecting.
The following day, Ms Sudmalis was targeted again when Whitlam MP Stephen Jones took aim at her support for the cuts.
Ms Sudmalis appeared upset about six minutes after Mr Jones’ question, and immediately after speaking with Christopher Pyne.
Andrew Pearson
Andrew grew up in the western Riverina town of Hay and has strong ties to the region. He is a former DA journo who has a passion for breaking news and has covered everything from council and politics to crime and court.
Andrew grew up in the western Riverina town of Hay and has strong ties to the region. He is a former DA journo who has a passion for breaking news and has covered everything from council and politics to crime and court.
