Victoria pushes for real increase to minimum wages

THE Victorian government has called for a real wage increase for workers on minimum and award wages as part of its submission to the Fair Work Commission’s Annual Wage Review.

The submission also proposes changes to apprentice and trainee pay, aiming to modernise wage structures and improve fairness for younger workers.

Victorian Minister for Skills and TAFE Gayle Tierney said apprenticeships had changed significantly, with more apprentices now living independently and balancing work with other financial pressures.

“Apprenticeships have changed – and their wages should too. In a nationwide skills shortage, we need to make it easier for Victorians to finish their apprenticeship – not harder.”

The state government has proposed shifting younger apprentices onto adult apprentice wages at a set age, as well as introducing a competency-based pay progression system. The changes reflect recommendations from the state’s Apprenticeship Taskforce Report, which the government accepted in full.

The Victorian government’s submission also urges the Commission to consider how changes to minimum wages could improve pay outcomes for women, younger workers and older workers.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, 23 per cent of Australian employees are reliant on minimum award wages, and women make up 60 per cent of that group. On average, women earn $117.40 less per week than men.

Victorian minister for industrial relations Jaclyn Symes said recent economic trends should support the case for a real increase. “With inflation heading in the right direction – it’s time for minimum and award wage earners to get a real increase.”

The submission complements a similar push from the Federal Government, which also lodged a call for real wage growth with the Commission.