Australia raises minimum wage 5.2%, earners to get $40 a week pay rise

ANKARA

Minimum wage in Australia will rise 5.2%, which means a $40 per week pay rise, the Fair Work Commission ruled on Wednesday.

"The most significant changes since last year’s review decision have been the sharp rise in the cost of living and the strengthening of the labour market," the commission said in a statement.

The decision will come into effect as of July 1, which benefits around 2.7 million Australians on the national minimum or awards.

The minimum wage is reviewed every year by the commission.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese welcomed the decision on Twitter, saying: "This is great news, but it's just the beginning."

He further said: "We have more work to do make sure more Australians can get ahead and have real economic security."

The annual inflation rate in Australia surged to 5.1% in the first quarter of 2022 from 3.5% in the last quarter of 2021.