Government Backs Another Minimum Wage Rise, Plays Down Inflation Risks

The government says the country’s lowest paid workers should get a rise in line with the CPI indicator, which went up 3.4 percent in the 12 months to January.

Federal Labor Treasurer Jim Chalmers at a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia on Feb. 15, 2024. AAP Image/Mick Tsikas

The federal government has recommended that the minimum wage increase in line with annual inflation, which sits at 3.4 percent in the year to January.

While the decision will be made by the Fair Work Commission as part of its annual wage review, Treasurer Jim Chalmers said, “the [government’s] expectation is that the minimum wage will be lifted.”