2002 adult minimum wage

8/4/02
Western Australia's low paid workers are set to benefit from an increase to the State's minimum rates of pay.
Consumer and Employment Protection Minister John Kobelke today announced a $13 increase in the adult minimum wage, from $400.40 to $413.40 a week.
"This increase will bring the rates of pay under the Minimum Conditions of Employment Act into line with the minimum award rates of pay and up to the same standards as the rest of Australia," Mr Kobelke said.
"The new rate is in line with the independent umpire's recommendation - the WA Industrial Relations Commission - made in a recent review of the adult minimum wage.
"The increase will take effect from April 29.
"The minimum rate of pay for junior employees under the age of 21 will also rise, on a proportional basis.
"Most WA employees already receive wages above the minimum, and will not be affected by the new rates of pay. But the increase will help improve the standard of living for WA's lowest paid workers.
"The increase is consistent with the Government's policy of moving towards parity between the statutory minimum wage and the minimum award wage of $413.40.
"This is in sharp contrast to the Court Government's long-running policy of undercutting the community standards established by awards, effectively cheating many WA employees out of a fair and decent wage."
Mr Kobelke said the outlook for the WA economy was positive. Business and dwelling investments were helping to drive a recovery in the State economy, which experienced a four per cent increase in State final demand last year, outstripping the performance of the rest of the nation.
"The increase in the adult minimum wage is an economically responsible decision that will not endanger this recovery," the Minister said.
"At the same time, it will go some small way to help the low paid to achieve the standard of living they rightfully deserve."
The increase will also have a positive effect on retail spending and business as a whole, with the additional wages being spent by employees to meet their essential needs.
Minister's Office - 9222 9211