The Turnbull government is out of touch with its own voters who have expressed opposition to a cut in Sunday penalty rates, says acting Labor leader Tanya Plibersek.

Any moves to cut Sunday penalty rates would be opposed by coalition voters, according to ReachTEL polling in key Liberal and National seats.

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The poll, commissioned by the left-leaning Australia Institute shows between 65 per cent and 79 per cent of people in the Page, New England, Warringah and Dickson electorates want rates kept the same or increased in the retail industry.

Ms Plibersek says the Sunday pay rates are about fairness as Australians still value their weekends with family and friends.

“Australians value their weekends and they understand that when people are working on a Sunday they should be properly compensated for that,” she told reporters in Sydney on Sunday.

“We expect the people who are looking after us (on weekends) to be paid decently when they are giving up time with their family and friends.”

Penalty rates were also important for workers in hospitals and emergency services, who had to keep going throughout the weekend, she said.