The Australian Fair Pay Commission (AFPC) released its final minimum wage-setting decision on 7 July 2009, leaving the federal minimum wage on hold at $543.78 per week. The rates of pay contained in Australian Pay and Classification Scales will also remain unchanged.
In delivering its decision the AFPC stated its main priority was to protect jobs. It went on to say that, in the current economic environment, 'there is a heightened risk that an increase in regulated minimum wages would reduce employment and working hours'.
Fair Work Australia, the body set up under the federal government's new industrial relations legislation, will take over from the AFPC in setting minimum wages from next year.
For practical employment law or industrial relations advice contact a member of our Employment team.
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