2019-08-09
Greens public sector spokesperson, Adam Bandt MP, has called on the government to boost public sector wages by more than 3% after he questioned the RBA Governor during hearings of the Economics Committee today.
The Australian Greens want an annual pay rise of 4% per year for non-executive public servants for the next four years to boost the wages of low paid public sector workers and lift wages across the economy.
“The Reserve Bank has outlined the threats to economy from low wages growth and the government now needs to act to boost public sector wages,” Mr Bandt said.
“The Liberals’ 2% pay cap isn’t just hurting public servants, it’s a threat to the economy.
“The Reserve Bank Governor, in evidence to the Committee today, has said that we need wages growth of over 3% and that public sector wage outcomes are influencing private sector outcomes.
“The Governor also told the committee that lifting Newstart would lead to a rise in aggregate demand.
“To stimulate wages across the economy, the federal government should commit to the Greens’ plan for an annual 4% wage increase for public servants.”
“By reining in the use of consultants, the cost of funding a wages boost could be offset.”