Pay rise for low-income workers backed by federal government

LOW-PAID workers across the Surf Coast, Bellarine and Geelong could benefit from a wage rise, with the federal government calling for a real increase to award wages in a submission to the Fair Work Commission.

Corangamite federal member Libby Coker said the government was backing a pay rise for around three million workers nationally, including many in retail, cleaning, and early childhood education roles.

“We’ve put our case to the Fair Work Commission to advocate for a pay rise for lower-income workers, particularly in sectors like retail,” Ms Coker said.

“We understand many of these workers are doing it tough right now, and that’s why we’re backing a pay rise that would see more money in their pockets.”

The proposed increase would build on the $7500 minimum wage rise delivered in the government’s first term, part of a broader economic plan aimed at boosting real wages and easing cost-of-living pressures.

“For workers across the Surf Coast, Bellarine and Geelong region, a pay rise for low-income workers would offer more opportunities for locals to earn a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work,” Ms Coker said.

She said local small businesses would also benefit from wage growth and were being supported with energy bill relief and an extended $20,000 instant asset write-off.

“We know that when wages rise, more people can support small businesses — it’s a win-win for our communities,” she said.The Fair Work Commission is expected to make its annual decision on minimum and award wages in the coming weeks.