



The Victorian government is calling for the biggest minimum wage increase in eight years to tackle stagnating wage growth and rising inequality.

In its submission to the Fair Work Commission’s annual wage review, the Andrews government argues the minimum hourly wage should rise from $18.29 per hour to $19 an hour.

Industrial Relations Minister Natalie Hutchins warned the number of people who are reliant on award wages and workers who are slipping below the poverty line was growing as wage growth stagnated.

“This modest, fair increase would provide a critical boost for our community’s lowest-paid workers, and ensure we do not create an underclass of working poor in Victoria,” the minister said.