The McGowan Labor Government has welcomed today's decision by the Western Australian Industrial Relations Commission to increase the State minimum wage and State award wages by 2.5 per cent in this year's State Wage Case.
The State minimum wage will increase to $779.00 a week from July 1, 2021.
Award rates of pay will also increase by 2.5 per cent from July 1, 2021.
The increase will apply to many low-paid workers in the State industrial relations system.
About one-third of WA employees are covered by the State industrial relations system.
The State Wage Case decision comes on the back of renewed confidence in the WA economy, which has recovered from the impacts of COVID-19 much faster than anticipated.
Western Australia currently has the lowest unemployment of all the States and Territories, while also maintaining the highest labour force participation rate.
A full copy of the decision can be found at http://www.wairc.wa.gov.au
As stated by Industrial Relations Minister Stephen Dawson:
"The Commission's decision to award a fair and sustainable wage increase will greatly assist low-paid workers, helping to improve their standards of living.
"I welcome today's increase for minimum wage earners.
"The McGowan Government's effective handling of the COVID-19 pandemic has enabled the State's economy and labour market to rebound strongly in recent months, and today's decision by the WA Industrial Relations Commission reflects this.
"While this pandemic continues to present unique challenges, WA has some of the strongest economic indicators in the world, benefiting small business and the community."
