Afpc Calls For Submissions To Final Minimum Wage Review

Australian Fair Pay Commission Calls for Submissions to Final Minimum Wage Review

MEDIA RELEASE

Thursday, 4 December 2008

The Australian Fair Pay Commission is inviting written submissions from interested groups and individuals in the lead-up to its final minimum wage decision, in July 2009.

Advertisements calling for submissions to the 2009 Minimum Wage Review will appear in the national press this weekend.

The function of setting minimum wages for federal employees will transfer to Fair Work Australia in January 2010.

Commission Chairman, Professor Ian Harper said: "All Australians are welcome to make a submission. The Commission is interested in receiving a wide range of views on relevant issues and we again encourage all Australians to participate.

"The Commission must consider a range of often competing priorities when setting Australia's minimum wages. It is a balancing act that is particularly challenging in these uncertain economic times."

As part of the 2009 Minimum Wage Review, the Commission recently commenced a program of consultations, meeting with federal, state and territory governments and with representatives from key employer, employee and community organisations to discuss issues regarding minimum wages and the impact of the 2008 Minimum Wage Decision.

Professor Harper said: "The Commission has established a new approach to setting minimum wages in Australia an approach that uses evidence-based decision making, and draws on information gathered through research, consultations and submissions."

Submissions to the 2009 Minimum Wage Review need not be lengthy and can address
some or all of the following criteria:

* 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
* minimum wages for junior employees, employees to whom training arrangements apply and employees with disabilities that ensure those employees are competitive in the labour market.

The closing date for submissions is Friday, 20 March 2009.

Further details regarding the 2009 Minimum Wage Review and how to make a
submission can be found at www.fairpay.gov.au or by calling 1300 139 699.

Media Enquiries

Paul Vadasz:
03 8621 8223 / 0429 359 960

[email protected]


SOURCE: Australian Fair Pay Commission