The 2009 State Wage Case

The State Wage Case is held pursuant to section 50A of the Industrial Relations Act, 1979.  This obliges the Commission before 1 July in each year to make a General Order setting the minimum wage under the Minimum Conditions of Employment Act, 1993 for employees over the age of 21, for apprentices and for trainees. The General Order also adjusts rates of wages paid under State awards.

Last year the 2008 State Wage Case resulted in an increase of $29.00 per week effective 1 July 2008. The 2008 Reasons for Decision and General Order can be read here.

The 2009 State Wage Case was heard and determined by 5 members of the Commission: Chief Commissioner Beech, Senior Commissioner Smith, Commissioner Scott, Commissioner Kenner and Commissioner Mayman. The 2009 Reasons for Decision and General Order can be read here.

Procedural history

The application (Application No. 1 of 2009) was created on the Commission’s own motion on 12 January 2009. The Registrar published the Notice in The West Australian newspaper on 21 and 25 March 2009 and in WA Business News on 26 March 2009. The Notice can also be viewed on the Commission’s website. The hearings were held on 19 and 20 May 2009.

Who is covered by the 2009 State Wage Case General Order?

The General Order applies to those employers and employees covered by the WA industrial relations system. A list of those Awards that will be affected can be found here. To find out if you are covered by one of these Awards, or for further information on your employment conditions please contact Wageline on 1300 655 266. There is more information about the coverage of the State industrial relations system here.

Documents online

Documents relating to the 2009 State Wage Case can be accessed from the quick links to the right of this page.

The Hearing

The hearing was webcast and can be viewed from the quicklinks to the right of this page. The Minister for Commerce, Trades and Labor Council of WA and Chamber of Commerce and Industry of WA, Inc. made oral submissions at the hearing. Several interested parties made written submissions. Transcripts of the hearing are available here.