10/06/02
Consumer and Employment Protection Minister John Kobelke today welcomed a decision by the Western Australian Industrial Relations Commission to increase all State award wage rates by $18 per week through a General Order.
"This increases the State award minimum wage to $431.40 per week from August 1, 2002," Mr Kobelke said.
The State Commission's State Wage Case is an annual hearing to decide whether to "flow on" the National Wage increase granted by the Australian Industrial Relations Commission earlier in the year.
"The decision is in line with Government submissions that the increases should be granted to all State awards from one consistent date by General Order," he said.
"The increase will apply to all employees paid State award wage rates."
Mr Kobelke also welcomed the WAIRC's decision to progress the updating of industrial awards to make them more accessible to employers and employees.
"This will give greater clarity as to the operation of the award system which will help employers and employees understand their rights and obligations," the Minister said.
"The Government supports this move, which will help to streamline awards and ensure the correct application of wage increases.
"It is also consistent with the Labour Relations Reform Bill 2002, which will allow awards to be brought up to date and remove discriminatory provisions.
"State awards play a pivotal role in providing low paid workers with appropriate and fair wage rates.
"The Government will ensure the award system continues to fulfil this vital role into the future."
Minister's office: 9222 9211
STATE WAGE CASE DECISION
2002
FACT SHEET
The Western Australian Industrial Relations Commission (WAIRC) State Wage Case Decision handed down on 10 June 2002 grants an $18 per week increase to all award rates.
It is important to note that the wage increases do not take effect until the first pay period commencing on or after 1 August 2002.
The State award minimum wage will be $431.40 per week from August 1.
This pay increase does not apply to all Western Australian employees. It only applies to those employees covered by, and being paid under, a State Award.
The pay increase does not apply to Federal awards, Federal certified agreements, WA collective industrial agreements (EBAs), workplace agreements, or Australian Workplace Agreements unless the agreement specifies it applies.
More detailed advice on the current wages to be paid to employees can be obtained from Wageline on 1300 655 266.
