Wages and Salaries

Ms RISHWORTH (Kingston—Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations) (14:45): I'd like to thank the member for Deakin for his question and, of course, his strong commitment to workers keeping more of what they earn. This Labor government is absolutely committed to getting wages moving again, especially for our low-paid workers. It is this Labor government that has advocated each and every year for a wage rise for workers on minimum award wages. On the Thursday that's just been, our government made a submission—again—to the Fair Work Commission, calling for an economically sustainable real wage increase for our lowest paid workers. This would help almost 2.7 million workers right across the country.

Over the term of this Labor government, minimum wages have increased by over $9,000 a year. As a result of this government's reforms, we have also made sure that gender equality is at the heart of the Fair Work Act, which has led to the commission delivering for workers who have been undervalued for too long. It has been our government that has funded wage increases for our hardworking aged-care workers and early childhood educators—recognising the very, very important work they do. It is this government that has legislated to protect penalty rates and overtime rates for workers who deserve to be properly paid for working unsociable hours. This is a real opportunity to thank all of those who will be working over the coming Easter weekend. This Labor government is also restoring balance at the Fair Work Commission so that both workers and employers get a fair hearing before the commission.

I'm very pleased to inform the House that this morning the independent Fair Work Commission has ruled that young adult workers should earn adult wages. This government welcomes the decision to abolish junior rates for 18- to 20-year-olds working in retail, fast food and pharmacy. Today's decision means that tens of thousands of young adult workers will earn more at this important time in their lives. In its decision, the commission considered the need for time for employers and businesses to adjust and has recommended that these pay rises be phased in.

Young adults face unique challenges in getting a start in life, keeping up with the cost of living and building economic security. I would like to recognise the SDA union in particular for pursuing this issue in the commission and their advocacy for young workers. While those on the other side might dismiss young workers, it's only a Labor government that will stick up for workers.