Fair Work Australia will review the minimum wage between March and June next year after increasing it this year by $26
November 24, 2010
Fair Work Australia has begun calling for submissions on minimum wage increases as it announces plans to review the wage between March and June next year.
Following on from its decision to increase the wage by $26 this year, Fair Work Australia has given stakeholders until March 18, 2011 to lodge submissions on whether it should be increased.
The deadline will be extended to May 13 for submissions dealing with the federal Budget. A final round of consultation over four days will be held in Melbourne from May 16.
Fair Work Australia will also run consultation sessions in regional areas between March 23 and 29.
“We have decided to provide an opportunity for interested persons or organisations in regional areas to participate in consultations with members of the [wage review] panel,” Fair Work Australia says.
“Any proposals in relation to the regional consultations, including their location, should be filed by 10 December 2010.”
Fair Work Australia says it will make arrangements for the regional consultations after submissions are received.
The Australian Industry Group opposed the decision to lift the minimum wage by $26 from July 1.
“The $26 per week increase comes at a time when employers are still dealing with the effects of the downturn, global conditions are uncertain and consumer confidence is weakening,” AiGroup CEO Heather Ridout said at the time.
“Timing is everything and there is a risk that this increase will slow the pace of job creation and that for many households the benefits of higher wage rates will be offset by a reduction in employment opportunities.”