Minimum wage increase enforced from today
The Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, Julia Gillard, has advised that the minimum wage will increase from today.The decision by the Australian Fair Pay Commission earlier this year increases adult rates of pay in Australian Pay and Classification Scales (Pay Scales) by approximately $21.66 per week.
From today, the new Federal Minimum Wage is $543.78 per week ($14.31 per hour) up from $522.12 per week ($13.74 per hour).
The increases will flow on to minimum rates of pay for junior employees, employees to whom training arrangements apply, employees with a disability and piece workers.
From 1 January 2010, under the Government’s workplace relations system, minimum wages will be set by a new independent body, the Fair Work Australia Minimum Wages Panel.
Employers and employees wanting more information about the wage increase are encouraged to call the Workplace Info line on 1300 363 264 or visit www.workplace.gov.au.