03-06-2025
Millions of workers to get 3.5 per cent pay rise after Fair Work Commission annual ruling
Millions of Australian workers will get a 3.5 per cent pay rise from July 1, following the Fair Work Commission's annual review of the minimum wage and award agreements.
Inflation is currently at 2.4 per cent annually.
While the national minimum wage covers a small proportion of the workforce, about a fifth of all employees in Australia are paid under awards.
The FWC ruling was announced today after lobbying from various groups.
The federal government had argued for an "economically sustainable real wage increase" — while not putting a firm figure on its request, it indicated support for a wage rise above inflation.
Business groups including the Australian Retailers Association and the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry had called for no more than 2.5 per cent, arguing any more would put too much pressure on employers.
Australian Industry Group was slightly higher at 2.6 per cent.
Meanwhile, the Australian Council of Trade Unions had lobbied for a rise of up to 4.5 per cent.
The FWC boosted the minimum wage and awards by 3.75 per cent last year, after higher inflation pushed real wage growth further down in comparison.
