Monday, 11 February 2008
The Australian Fair Pay Commission has commenced its program of visits to all states and territories as part of its 2008 Minimum Wage Review.
The Commission is meeting with state and territory governments and employee, employer and community groups to discuss issues relating to its July 2008 minimum wage decision.
In addition, the Commission will visit places of employment, employment services providers and training providers to gain a better understanding of how its decisions impact employers, employees and unemployed Australians.
In fulfilling its wage-setting function, the Commission must have regard to:
- the capacity for the unemployed and low paid to obtain and remain in employment;
- employment and competitiveness across the economy;
- providing a safety net for the low paid; and
- providing minimum wages for junior employees, and employees to whom training arrangements apply and employees with disabilities that ensure those employees are competitive in the labour market.
Commission Chair, Professor Ian Harper said: “These visits provide opportunities for us to discuss regional labour market conditions, monitor the effects of our previous decisions, and receive input into this year’s wage review.”
Professor Harper said: “The processes we have pioneered – conducting consultations, inviting submissions and undertaking research – represent a contemporary approach to the challenges of minimum wage-setting, and will continue to underpin our work.”
The Australian Government has asked the Australian Fair Pay Commission to continue to set and adjust minimum wages until January 2010 when this function will move to a new body, Fair Work Australia.
Other elements of the Commission’s consultation program include:
- consultations with national employee, employer and community organisations;
- meetings of the Commission’s Disability Roundtable and Business Consultative Groups;
- focus groups involving low-paid and unemployed people, juniors and employers in capital cities and regional areas; and
- interactive online discussion forums.
The Commission is seeking submissions to its 2008 Minimum Wage Review.
Submissions are open until 14 March 2008. You can find out more by calling 1300 139 699 or by visiting www.fairpay.gov.au.
Media Enquiries:
Justin Napier 03 8621 8206 justin.napier@fairpay.gov.au , or
Paul Vadasz 03 8621 8223 paul.vadasz@fairpay.gov.au