585 (2024). Camilla Belich to the Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety

585 (2024). Camilla Belich to the Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety: Why did she recommend a 1.3% increase to the minimum wage?

Hon Brooke van Velden: I considered a 1.3 percent increase to the minimum wage (from $22.70 to $23.00 per hour) to be appropriate given the current challenging economic environment and the historically large increases to the minimum wage (relative to inflation), which distorted the relativity of the minimum wage to the median wage over time. I considered that a 1.3 percent increase would provide the best chance of preserving job creation while protecting workers’ incomes and fulfilling the Government’s commitment to moderate increases in the minimum wage every year. I presented two additional options to Cabinet (increases of 2.0 percent and 2.7 percent). I endorse the 2.0 percent increase that Cabinet agreed to, noting that this rate also balances the considerations outlined above.