The Albanese Government is pushing for an above-inflation minimum wage rise to help low-paid Australians cope with mounting fuel and living costs.
In a submission to the Fair Work Commission lodged today, Workplace Relations Minister Amanda Rishworth said the government wants an “economically sustainable real wage increase” for minimum wage and award-reliant workers — a group that includes about one in four employees nationwide.
“Low-paid workers are more exposed to unexpected financial shocks and they experience greater financial hardship, and we support lifting their wages,” Rishworth said.
“Our Government believes the millions of baristas, care workers, clerks and cooks should get ahead.”
The move comes as the cost of petrol continues to climb, driven in part by war in the Middle East. In a joint statement, Rishworth and Treasurer Jim Chalmers said, “Conflict in the Middle East is compounding global economic uncertainty, and putting pressure on fuel prices, inflation and on family budgets.”
The government’s submission doesn’t name a specific figure, but it aligns with the view that wage growth should outpace inflation to ease pressure on households. Inflation is currently sitting at 3.8 per cent, with Treasury warning it could exceed 5 per cent if global oil prices keep climbing.
Employer groups have warned that such a move could fuel inflation further, given global energy price volatility and lingering economic uncertainty.
Chalmers acknowledged those concerns but said the Government’s focus remains on “helping with the cost of living in responsible ways”. He pointed to the government’s broader support measures, including tax cuts and cheaper medicines, as part of a plan to balance wage growth with inflation control.
“Workers are doing it tough right now and that’s why we think they should get a sustainable real wage increase,” he said.
“With fuel prices going up and mounting pressure on families, we’re helping with the cost of living in responsible ways.”
The Fair Work Commission will weigh the Government’s proposal alongside union and employer submissions before announcing its decision later this year in July.
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