Australia’s Fair Work Commission (FWC) has announced a 3.5% increase in the national minimum wage, effective from July 1. This decision will benefit approximately 2.6 million of the country’s lowest-paid workers, raising the hourly rate to A$24.94 ($16.19) and providing full-time employees with an additional A$1,670 annually.
FWC President Adam Hatcher emphasised the importance of this wage hike in preventing a permanent reduction in living standards for the lowest-paid workers, especially as the country emerges from a period of high inflation. The increase comes as Australia’s headline inflation rate has moderated to 2.4%, comfortably within the Reserve Bank of Australia’s target range. The Australian Council of Trade Unions welcomed the decision, describing it as “a great outcome” for minimum wage earners.
This wage adjustment occurs against the backdrop of a resilient labour market, with unemployment holding steady at 4.1%, and recent interest rate cuts by the central bank. The decision strikes a delicate balance between supporting low-income workers and maintaining economic stability as Australia navigates post-pandemic economic challenges and global trade uncertainties.
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