As inflation continues to spiral, more than 400,000 low-paid workers will receive a long-awaited pay bump from Friday, with July's minimum wage rise flowing through to awards in some key industries such as hospitality and tourism.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
The Fair Work Commission's July 1 decision increased the national minimum wage by 5.2 per cent and the award minimum wage by 4.6 per cent, or $40 per week for full-time workers, but there was a delay to October 1 for industries heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic: aviation, tourism and hospitality.
The pay rise for 10 aviation, tourism and hospitality sector awards started from October 1 but should be seen in pay packets from Friday, as these awards are typically sent to workers by the 15th of each month.
The Albanese government argued in favour of a pay rise to combat cost-of-living increases, but inflation is pushing prices even higher. Prices have gone up 6.1 per cent in the past 12 months, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
"My government is focused on tackling the spiralling cost of living that is making life tough for too many Australians," Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said.
READ MORE:
"We must get wages rising again and make health care, child care and housing more affordable, while we work to grow the economy.
"This government will deliver a future where no one is held back and no one is left behind."
Workers under 111 other awards received their pay rise in July.
Karen Barlow
Contact her on karen.barlow@canberratimes.com.au
More from National
Twice weekly
Voice of Real Australia
Get real, Australia! Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over.
