The national minimum wage for Australia's 1.4 million lowest paid workers should be raised by $17.10 a week, Fair Work Australia has said.

At its national annual wage review this morning the panel said this was a "moderate" rise of 2.9 per cent.

Australia's lowest paid workers will now receive $606.40 each week. Credit:Stuart Quinn

It will take the wages of the lowest paid workers from $589.30 to $606.40 each week.

And the panel said that the carbon tax compensation should not mean low paid workers should get less.