The Minimum Wage in Australia
The Minimum Wage in Australia is set at $484.40 or $12.75 per hour. What a disgrace, we should all be ashamed. We elect Politicians who look after themselves and worry little about how much sorrow and stress there is in the comunity when families just can't make ends meet.
Our Australian Politicians have just awarded themselves a 7% increase, effective July 2006. This means backbenchers will get an extra $7,800 a year and Prime Minister John Howard's annual 'minimum' wage balloons by $20,000 to more than $300,000. How can they sleep at night? It is impossible for a family to live on $484 a week. Rent alone takes over $250.
The Howard government says:
"The Government is committed to retaining a fair minimum wage with reasonable and sustainable increases."
Just what is reasonable and fair? On top of the recent Industrial Relations changes which leave Australians liable to unfair sackings and a reduction in wages, Petrol and food prices have shot through the roof. Yet the minimum wage hardly moves.
Australians really would like to see at least one politician campaign for the minimum wage to be increased in a hurry so that people can live with some kind of dignity and hope for the future. Is there any Pollies who could live on this minimum wage? Why are they not subject to the 'Fair' Pay Commission like everyone else?
Many people are quite happy earning above the minimum wage including, the Prime Minister earning over $300,0000 and the Bank CEO on a staggering $7Million - but surely in this 'Lucky' country, we can have some compassion and insist that people in our country are given the same opportunity to live a happy and stable life in return for the same hard days work. It is time to elect polititions who can think of others and not just themselves!!
Our Australian Politicians have just awarded themselves a 7% increase, effective July 2006. This means backbenchers will get an extra $7,800 a year and Prime Minister John Howard's annual 'minimum' wage balloons by $20,000 to more than $300,000. How can they sleep at night? It is impossible for a family to live on $484 a week. Rent alone takes over $250.
What is Reasonable and Fair
The Howard government says:
"The Government is committed to retaining a fair minimum wage with reasonable and sustainable increases."
Just what is reasonable and fair? On top of the recent Industrial Relations changes which leave Australians liable to unfair sackings and a reduction in wages, Petrol and food prices have shot through the roof. Yet the minimum wage hardly moves.
Australians really would like to see at least one politician campaign for the minimum wage to be increased in a hurry so that people can live with some kind of dignity and hope for the future. Is there any Pollies who could live on this minimum wage? Why are they not subject to the 'Fair' Pay Commission like everyone else?
Shame Australia
Many people are quite happy earning above the minimum wage including, the Prime Minister earning over $300,0000 and the Bank CEO on a staggering $7Million - but surely in this 'Lucky' country, we can have some compassion and insist that people in our country are given the same opportunity to live a happy and stable life in return for the same hard days work. It is time to elect polititions who can think of others and not just themselves!!
John you auld Irishman! You're absolutely right and it's time people started thinking for themselves instead of letting those in power do it for them. More like you John, that's what this country needs!
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Anonymous |
Tuesday, May 01, 2007 4:24:00 PM
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