The industrial relations body announced the changes at a meeting on Thursday morning, which will see a change to both the minimum wage and the award rates.
“As it does every year, big business pushed hard for a cut that would see Australia’s lowest-paid workers go backwards by at least $1350 a year,” she said.“Your workers are also your customers. What goes around comes around,” she said.“The worst thing that could possibly happen will be more real wage cuts because they’re very likely deciding not to spend in your shops because they have no choice.”
“Wage increases awarded in last year's end-of-wage review decision directly contributed less than 10 per cent of the total wages growth in 2022.” In an interview with Sky News Australia, Mr McKellar said the 5.75 per cent increase was a “bad day for business”. Thursday’s changes will see award-reliant workers receive a 5.75 per cent increase, taking their hourly rate from $21.38 to $22.60, and their weekly rate from $812.60 to $859.33.