The Labor Government announced that the new Federal Minimum Wage has been set at $543.78 per week or $14.31 per hour from its previous level of $522.12 per week or $13.74 per hour.<\/p>\n
Federal Member for Chifley Roger Price said: “Australia\u2019s most vulnerable employees will benefit from this increase including young people, students, casual employees and those who are employed in retail, accommodation, cafes, restaurants and health and community services.”<\/p>\n
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The decision also increases adult rates of pay in Australian Pay and Classification Scales by approximately $21.66 per week.<\/p>\n
The new rates were determined by the Australian Fair Pay Commission earlier this year.<\/p>\n
From 1 January 2010, under the Government\u2019s workplace relations system, minimum wages will be set by a new independent body, the Fair Work Australia Minimum Wage Panel.<\/p>\n
“This increase will alleviate some of the pressure low-paid Australians are dealing with due to the current economic situation,” Mr. Price concluded.<\/p>\n