Australia’s low-paid workers will be better off after the Fair Work Commission delivered a 5.2 per cent rise in the minimum wage.
The rise is slightly above headline inflation.
The decision means an extra $40 a week for full-time workers on the minimum wage or low-paid awards.
Many low-paid workers are far more likely to find themselves experiencing financial hardship.
A Federal Government spokesperson said many were on the front line delivering essential services during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“They deserve more than our thanks. They deserve this pay rise,” the spokesperson said.
“This is a great result for these workers. But it’s only the beginning.
“The government is determined to get wages moving again.”
The government expects there to be a comprehensive discussion about other ways to get wages moving at the national Jobs Summit later this year.
“We also want to acknowledge the role the union movement played in (the) decision,” the spokesperson said.
“They too argued that low-paid workers deserved a pay rise, particularly given the cost of living pressures people are experiencing.”