Minimum wage

Opinion
Opinion

Businesses say higher wages will lead to higher prices. Be suspicious

The 4.75 per cent minimum wage increase is unlikely to flow through to higher prices as much as businesses warn. It might even be the key to keeping them in check.

10 days ago
Millie Muroi

Latest

An increase in the minimum wage could be easily eaten up by higher inflation and higher interest rates.

Analysis
Analysis

A minimum wage increase delivers a maximum inflation risk

The Fair Work Commission has just added to the Reserve Bank’s inflation troubles with a large increase in the minimum wage.

June 2, 2026
Shane Wright

Secretary Sally McManus told reporters that the 4.75 per cent minimum wage increase would ease pressure on workers. — 1:36

National

ACTU welcomes minimum wage increase

Secretary Sally McManus told reporters that the 4.75 per cent minimum wage increase would ease pressure on workers.

June 2, 2026

The national minimum wage has been raised.

Updated
Workplace

Employers warn of price pressures as one in five workers get 4.75% pay rise

Millions of Australians have been handed a pay rise, and the lowest-paid workers are getting the biggest bump in a move employer groups warn will fuel inflation.

June 2, 2026
Millie Muroi and Brittany Busch

Fast food employers, including McDonalds, will be affected by the Fair Work Commission’s ruling.

Workplace

Junior pay rates for 18 to 20-year-olds to be scrapped

Younger Australians working in sectors such as retail, fast food and pharmacy will soon be paid the same award wage as their older colleagues.

March 31, 2026
Millie Muroi

Workplace Relations Minister Amanda Rishworth said the recommendation was crucial for lower paid workers.

Amanda Rishworth

Labor pushes real-wage increase for millions of workers despite inflation fears

The federal government has requested the increase in its annual submission to the Fair Work Commission, but does not go as far as the country’s biggest union.