The Western Australian Council of Social Service (WACOSS) is disappointed the Western Australian Industrial Relations Commission (WAIRC)’s decision to increase the state’s minimum wage by 4.75 per cent falls well short of the recent national increase of 6 per cent.
WACOSS backed Unions WA’s call for a 6.5 per cent increase to the state minimum wage as it would provide a sorely needed buff to those on lowest incomes in the face of ever-persistent cost of living pressures.
In late May, the Fair Work Commission increased the national minimum wage by 6 per cent and the award rate by 4.75 per cent, recognising that those on lowest incomes are being hit hardest by cost of living pressures.
While today’s decision matches the national award rate increase, no additional support has been provided to those on lowest incomes.
WACOSS Chief Executive Officer Louise Giolitto said:
“People are under severe pressure from interest rate rises, rent increases, higher fuel costs, and growing economic uncertainty due to the conflict in the Middle East.
“While the Fair Work Commission’s decision will help ease the pressure on low-paid workers to cover their basic living costs such as rent, food, and transport, it doesn’t go far enough.
“Too many Western Australians continue to be left behind as the cost of survival continues to climb. This was a missed opportunity to help those who needed it most.
“We are calling on State Government to match today’s increase when deciding the state indexation rate on community services contracts in the coming weeks. If funding doesn’t keep up with rising wage costs, we will see further cuts to frontline services and it will be the most vulnerable people in our community who pay the price.”