Overview

• The federal Labor government has formally urged the Fair Work Commission to approve a real wage increase for about three million award workers, without specifying a figure.
• The submission emphasizes that wage growth must align with the Reserve Bank of Australia's 2–3% inflation target and be supported by productivity improvements.
• Since 2022, the Albanese government has delivered a $143 weekly increase to the minimum wage, now set at $24.10 per hour or $915.90 per week.
• The government highlighted that increasing award wages could help narrow the gender pay gap, as many award-reliant roles are female-dominated.
• A decision on the new wage rates is expected in June, with adjustments to take effect from July 1, as part of the annual review process.