Australia’s largest and most representative business network, the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, will today call on the Fair Work Commission to deliver a 1.8% increase in minimum wages at its Annual Wage Review hearing in Melbourne.
This would increase the National Minimum Wage by 1.8%, from $719.20 to $732.15 per week, and the same percentage increase would also likely apply to all minimum rates of pay in awards.
Australian Chamber CEO, James Pearson, said: “There is scope for minimum wages to rise in the current economic environment. We need to strike the right balance to ensure small businesses, who will be hardest hit by an increase to their wages bill, can keep their doors open, provide jobs and serve the needs of their local communities.”
“An increase in the minimum wage will mean a pay rise for up to 2.2 million Australians earning up to $177,000 per year who have their pay set by awards, as well as the 180,000 people earning the National Minimum Wage.
“We must ensure our independent minimum wage setting system balances all interests, including the needs of employees, businesses, the economy and those searching for jobs or more work.”
Media details
Who: The Australian Chamber Chamber of Commerce and Industry
What: Address to the Annual Wage Review hearing
When: From 10:00 am, Tuesday, 14 May 2018
Where: The Fair Work Commission, 11 Exhibition Street, Melbourne
