2019-03-26
Greens to push Labor in Senate for higher minimum wage: Bandt.
Greens Co-Deputy Leader and industrial relations spokesperson, Adam Bandt MP, today welcomed Labor’s move towards the Greens’ position on the minimum wage, but said his party would amend Labor’s laws in the Senate to ensure a ‘hard floor’ under the minimum wage of 60% of the adult median wage.
“It’s good that Labor is moving towards the Greens’ position on the minimum wage, but there are some problems with the ALP’s approach,” said Mr Bandt.
“If we can turf the conservatives out we’ll work with Labor to lift the minimum wage, but we’ll amend the law in the Senate to ensure a ‘hard floor’ of 60% of the adult median wage, a recognised poverty level.
“When 1 in 4 people in poverty is working full-time, our labour laws are broken.
“The penalty rates decision from the Fair Work Commission shows that guidelines aren’t enough. Without a ‘hard floor’ in legislation, wages can still go backwards.
“The Liberals have threatened the Fair Work Commission’s independence by stacking it with their mates, which is all the more reason for a hard minimum wage floor in the new industrial relations laws.”
Contact: Gideon Reisner, 0429 109 054
TW: @AdamBandt FB: facebook.com/Adam.Bandt.MP
The Greens announced in May 2018 their support for a minimum wage set at 60% of the adult median. Mr Bandt introduced a bill to give effect to this policy in June 2018.