[Australia] Coalition announces support for Fair Work Commission’s annual wage decision

On June 2, the Liberal Party of Australia announced the Coalition’s support for the Fair Work Commission’s independent process to determine the minimum wage increase of 4.75 per cent, Liberal reports.

According to the Fair Work Commission, it has noted that while last year’s decision “involved a real wage increase, the accelerated rate of inflation since then has substantially opened up that gap yet again”. 

Senator Jane Hume - Shadow Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations - reportedly stated that everyone wants to see higher real wages, adding that lasting improvements in living standards depend on lower inflation and a stronger economy.

“There is little comfort in a wage increase if Labor’s inflation simply eats it away. The best way to improve living standards for all Australians is to get inflation down, lift productivity and support businesses to grow and employ more Australians.

“In light of today’s decision and last week's Labour Force data showing almost 700,000 Australians are unemployed, it is even more crucial that Labor axe their toxic taxes on small businesses and tackle inflation.

“When businesses are struggling with rising costs and Labor's new taxes, there is a real risk that fewer jobs will be created and fewer opportunities will be available for Australians looking for work. Higher wages mean nothing if you don’t have a job,” Senator Hume said.

Source: Liberal

(Quotes via original reporting)

On June 2, the Liberal Party of Australia announced the Coalition’s support for the Fair Work Commission’s independent process to determine the minimum wage increase of 4.75 per cent, Liberal reports.

According to the Fair Work Commission, it has noted that while last year’s decision “involved a real wage increase, the accelerated rate of inflation since then has substantially opened up that gap yet again”. 

Senator Jane Hume - Shadow Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations - reportedly stated that everyone wants to see higher real wages, adding that lasting improvements in living standards depend on lower inflation and a stronger economy.

“There is little comfort in a wage increase if Labor’s inflation simply eats it away. The best way to improve living standards for all Australians is to get inflation down, lift productivity and support businesses to grow and employ more Australians.

“In light of today’s decision and last week's Labour Force data showing almost 700,000 Australians are unemployed, it is even more crucial that Labor axe their toxic taxes on small businesses and tackle inflation.

“When businesses are struggling with rising costs and Labor's new taxes, there is a real risk that fewer jobs will be created and fewer opportunities will be available for Australians looking for work. Higher wages mean nothing if you don’t have a job,” Senator Hume said.

Source: Liberal

(Quotes via original reporting)