Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash

Shadow Attorney-General

Shadow Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations

Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Senate

Senator for Western Australia

MEDIA RELEASE

2 JUNE 2023

REAL WAGES GOING BACKWARDS UNDER ALBANESE

Today’s minimum wage decision is a stark reminder to all Australians that real wages are falling across the board under the Albanese Government.

The annual wage review decision was made by the independent Fair Work Commission following an extensive consultation process, which is appropriate. The FWC increased the minimum wage by 5.75%, below inflation.

Shadow Employment and Workplace Relations Minister Senator Michaelia Cash said Labor made an election commitment to ‘get wages moving’.

“Mr Albanese has got real wages moving, but unfortunately they are moving backwards,’’ she said.

“The cost-of-living crisis under the Albanese Government is continuing to hurt Australians – we have high inflation, higher electricity prices, higher interest rates, higher mortgage repayments and falling real wages,’’ Senator Cash said.

“Mr Albanese has no plans to address these massive challenges for Australian families,” she said.

The Department of Employment and Workplace relation confirmed at Senate Estimates hearings on 30 May 2023, that real wages had fallen by 3.3%.

“Today’s decision reminds us that we are in a cost-of-living crisis thanks to Mr Albanese,’’ Senator Cash said.

“It is about time this Government addressed this crisis that middle Australia is enduring,’’ she said.

ENDS