Wage increase for WA's low-paid

• WA workers granted 3.4% wage increase

Commerce Minister Simon O'Brien today noted the wage increase for many of the State's low paid workers granted by the Western Australian Industrial Relations Commission.

"The Government recognises the need to maintain a safety net of fair wages for workers, and today's decision took account of the needs of both workers and small business employers and the strength of the WA economy," Mr O'Brien said.

The State Wage Order granted a 3.4 per cent a week increase to State minimum and award wage rates.  This increases the weekly minimum wage by $20.60 to $627.70 per week from July 1, 2012. 

"It is important in the current economic climate that we support the viability and competitiveness of the small businesses so vital to our economy," the Minister said. 

"We also acknowledge the need to maintain the real value of wages for the low paid, who provide a valuable economic contribution to Western Australia."

The WA Government's submission to the State Wage Case sought a wage increase for minimum wage earners of 2.5 per cent, in line with the Consumer Price Index for 2011-12.

      Fact File

• In the 2011 State Wage Case, the Western Australian Industrial Relations Commission ordered a minimum wage and award wage increase of $19.90, taking the weekly rate to $607.10

• An estimated 4 per cent of workers covered by the State jurisdiction are reliant on minimum/award rates

Minister's office - 6552 5800