Wages are growing under ‘same job, same pay’, says government

Reflecting on the “same job, same pay changes”, the Albanese government announced that since its implementation, workers across various industries have already seen a number of benefits.

According to the Albanese government, the “same job, same pay” changes are delivering benefits for workers after only being in place for a year. One of the key benefits has been the wage rises for workers right across the economy, as the legislation ensures that labour hires are not paid any less than permanent employees when they are working the same job.

The industries in which these changes have been especially occurring are mining, aviation, meat processing, and warehousing industries. An example that was previously reported on HR Leader was the Australian Air Express workers who received a pay increase under the “same job, same pay” legislation.

As stated by Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations Murray Watt, this has been the case for around 120 workers in NSW mines, who have seen their wages grow up to $35,000 a year. It is believed by Minister Watt that the even playing field that is being crafted by this legislation is also improving culture in the mining industry.

So far, examples of successful “same job, same pay” orders include:

• Workers at a meat processing facility in Queensland have had wage increases of up to 42 per cent.

• Ninety workers in a NSW coal mine operated by Boggabri Coal Operations have secured pay increases of between $15,600 and $35,000.

• Up to 200 Kmart warehouse workers have secured wage increases of up to $11.56 per hour.

“Labor said we would get wages moving, and that’s exactly what we are doing,” said Minister Watt.

Minister Watt believes that the higher wages that these workers have gained are at risk from Peter Dutton and the opposition, who Minister Watt stated have said they will “review” these changes if they are elected.

“Australian workers can’t afford a Dutton government cutting their pay,” he said.

“The changes we’ve made are common sense – if you’re doing the same job, you should be getting the same pay. This has already put thousands of dollars back in the pockets of workers that they rightfully earned.

“But this is all at risk under Peter Dutton, who wants to wind back these laws in favour of his big business mates.

“The Albanese Labor government will always stand up to make sure working people are paid what they are owed.

“At a time when people are doing it tough, you can’t risk Peter Dutton cutting your pay.”

Kace O'Neill

Kace O'Neill is a Graduate Journalist for HR Leader. Kace studied Media Communications and Maori studies at the University of Otago, he has a passion for sports and storytelling.