The 2016 State Wage Case

Procedural history

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.

The application (Application No. 1 of 2016) was created on the Commission’s own motion on 4 January 2016.  The Registrar will publish a Notice in newspapers calling for submissions. The Notice will be able to be viewed on the Commission’s website.

The 2016 State Wage Case will be heard and determined by the Commission in Court Session.

The Commission in Court Session will sit to hear oral submissions from the Minister for Commerce, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA and UnionsWA on 24 and 25 May 2016.  It will resume two working days after the Annual Wage Review decision of the Fair Work Commission is delivered. Proceedings will be able to be viewed here.

Written submissions of those who appear, along with those of interested persons or organisations, will be available here.

Who will be covered by the 2016 State Wage Case General Order?

The General Order will apply to those employers and employees covered by the WA industrial relations system. 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.

The 2017 State Wage Case

Procedural history

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.

Call for submissions

The application (Application No. 1 of 2017) was created on the Commission’s own motion on 4th January 2017.  The Registrar will publish a Notice in newspapers calling for submissions. The Notice will be able to be viewed on the Commission’s website.

The hearing

The Commission in Court Session heard oral submissions from the Minister for Commerce and Industrial Relations, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA, UnionsWA and WA Council of Social Service on 18 May and 8 June 2017, and  issued its decision on 14 June 2017. Proceedings can be viewed here. Transcripts of the hearing will be available here.

Availability of submissions

Written submissions of those who appear, along with those of interested persons or organisations, will be available here.

Who will be covered by the 2017 State Wage Case General Order?

The General Order will apply 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 2017 State Wage Case will be able to be accessed from the menus at the top of this page.

Submissions

The Western Australian Industrial Relations Commission is required to set the minimum wage to apply to employers and employees covered by the WA industrial relations system.  It must do this before 1 July each year.  The current minimum wage for an adult employee of $726.90 per week was set in June 2018 to apply from 1 July 2018.  Additionally, the Commission is considering an Equal Remuneration Principle to implement equal remuneration for work of equal or comparable value.

The Commission invites interested persons and organisations to make a submission to the Commission on what minimum wage should be set in 2019 and the draft Equal Remuneration Principle.  The Commission will hear oral submissions on Wednesday, 22 and if necessary Thursday, 23 May 2019.  The proceedings are open to the public and will be webcast.  Any person who wishes to make an oral submission at that time should notify the Registrar of the Commission stating the basis of their interest.  This must be done by Tuesday, 14 May 2019. 

Written submissions are also welcome.  Any person or organisation who wishes to make a written submission should do so by Tuesday, 14 May 2019.  Copies of written submissions may be made public.  Anonymous submissions will not be considered.  Submissions can be made by Emailing Registry, by post or over the counter (Level 17, 111 St Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000).  Please quote 'APPL 1 of 2019' in all correspondence.  Please feel free to contact the Commission's Registry about making a submission.

Relevant criteria

In making its decision, the Commission is required to consider the need to —

• ensure that Western Australians have a system of fair wages and conditions of employment; and
• meet the needs of the low paid; and
• provide fair wage standards in the context of living standards generally prevailing in the community; and
• contribute to improved living standards for employees; and
• protect employees who may be unable to reach an industrial agreement; and
• encourage ongoing skills development; and
• provide equal remuneration for men and women for work of equal or comparable value.

It is also required to consider:

• the state of the economy of Western Australia and the likely effect of its decision on that economy and, in particular, on the level of employment, inflation and productivity in Western Australia; and
• to the extent that it is relevant, the state of the national economy; and
• to the extent that it is relevant, the capacity of employers as a whole to bear the costs of increased wages, salaries, allowances and other remuneration; and
• the need to ensure that the Western Australian award framework represents a system of fair wages and conditions of employment; and
• relevant decisions of other industrial courts and tribunals; and
• any other relevant matters.

People interested in making a submission are invited to address those issues.

Who will be covered by the 2017 State Wage Case General Order?

The General Order will apply to those employers and employees covered by the WA industrial relations system.  To find out if you are covered by the state system, or for further information on your employment conditions, please contact Wageline on 1300 655 266.

The 2018 State Wage Case

The Western Australian Industrial Relations Commission is required to set the minimum wage to apply to employers and employees covered by the WA industrial relations system.

On 23 May 2018, the State Wage Case convened. The Commission heard submissions from The Minister for Commerce and Industrial Relations, and evidence from the State Department of Treasury about the Western Australian economy, The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of W.A, UnionsWA; and The Western Australian Council of Social Service.

The Commission also noted the submissions filed by other organisations and individuals.

The hearing reconvened on 6 June 2018 to hear submissions about the National Minimum Wage decision handed down by the Fair Work Commission on 1 June 2018, and proposed changes to the Statement of Principles.

The Commission has delivered its decision in the 2018 State Wage Case on 13 June 2018.  The Commission adjusted the State Minimum Wage and award rates of pay in the State industrial relations system by a flat amount of $18.00 per week, bringing the State Minimum Wage up to $726.90.  The Commission will also adjust the Statement of Principles.

 These changes take effect from 1 July 2018.

 The Commission's statement in relation to its decision can be read here.

A full copy of the Commission's decision can be read here.  

A full transcript of proceedings, as well as video and audio of the proceedings, is now available by clicking the links at the top of this page.

Relevant Criteria

In making its decision, the Commission is required to consider the need to —

• ensure that Western Australians have a system of fair wages and conditions of employment; and
• meet the needs of the low paid; and
• provide fair wage standards in the context of living standards generally prevailing in the community; and
• contribute to improved living standards for employees; and
• protect employees who may be unable to reach an industrial agreement; and
• encourage ongoing skills development; and
• provide equal remuneration for men and women for work of equal or comparable value.

It is also required to consider:

• the state of the economy of Western Australia and the likely effect of its decision on that economy and, in particular, on the level of employment, inflation and productivity in Western Australia; and
• to the extent that it is relevant, the state of the national economy; and
• to the extent that it is relevant, the capacity of employers as a whole to bear the costs of increased wages, salaries, allowances and other remuneration; and
• the need to ensure that the Western Australian award framework represents a system of fair wages and conditions of employment; and
• relevant decisions of other industrial courts and tribunals; and
• any other relevant matters.

People interested in making a submission are invited to address those issues.

Who will be covered by the 2018 State Wage Case General Order?

The General Order will apply to those employers and employees covered by the WA industrial relations system. To find out if you are covered by the state system, or for further information on your employment conditions, please contact Wageline on 1300 655 266

The 2019 State Wage Case and Equal Remuneration Principle

The Western Australian Industrial Relations Commission is required to set the minimum wage to apply to employers and employees covered by the WA industrial relations system.  It must do this before 1 July each year.  The current minimum wage for an adult employee of $726.90 per week was set in June 2018 to apply from 1 July 2018.  Additionally, the Commission is considering an Equal Remuneration Principle to implement equal remuneration for work of equal or comparable value.

Call for submissions

The Western Australian Industrial Relations Commission is required to set the minimum wage to apply to employers and employees covered by the WA industrial relations system.  It must do this before 1 July each year.  The current minimum wage for an adult employee of $726.90 per week was set in June 2018 to apply from 1 July 2018.  Additionally, the Commission is considering an Equal Remuneration Principle to implement equal remuneration for work of equal or comparable value.

The Commission invites interested persons and organisations to make a submission to the Commission on what minimum wage should be set in 2019 and the draft Equal Remuneration Principle.  The Commission will hear oral submissions on Wednesday, 22 and if necessary Thursday, 23 May 2019.  The proceedings are open to the public and will be webcast.  Any person who wishes to make an oral submission at that time should notify the Registrar of the Commission stating the basis of their interest.  This must be done by Tuesday, 14 May 2019. 

Written submissions are also welcome.  Any person or organisation who wishes to make a written submission should do so by Tuesday, 14 May 2019.  Copies of written submissions may be made public.  Anonymous submissions will not be considered.  Submissions can be made by Emailing Registry, by post or over the counter (Level 17, 111 St Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000).  Please quote 'APPL 1 of 2019' in all correspondence.  Please feel free to contact the Commission's Registry about making a submission.

Relevant criteria

In making its decision, the Commission is required to consider the need to —

• ensure that Western Australians have a system of fair wages and conditions of employment; and
• meet the needs of the low paid; and
• provide fair wage standards in the context of living standards generally prevailing in the community; and
• contribute to improved living standards for employees; and
• protect employees who may be unable to reach an industrial agreement; and
• encourage ongoing skills development; and
• provide equal remuneration for men and women for work of equal or comparable value.

It is also required to consider:

• the state of the economy of Western Australia and the likely effect of its decision on that economy and, in particular, on the level of employment, inflation and productivity in Western Australia; and
• to the extent that it is relevant, the state of the national economy; and
• to the extent that it is relevant, the capacity of employers as a whole to bear the costs of increased wages, salaries, allowances and other remuneration; and
• the need to ensure that the Western Australian award framework represents a system of fair wages and conditions of employment; and
• relevant decisions of other industrial courts and tribunals; and
• any other relevant matters.

People interested in making a submission are invited to address those issues.

Who will be covered by the 2019 State Wage Case General Order?

The General Order will apply to those employers and employees covered by the WA industrial relations system.  To find out if you are covered by the state system, or for further information on your employment conditions, please contact Wageline on 1300 655 266.

The 2020 State Wage Case

Pre-publication of Awards to be Amended by the 2020 State Wage Order - Operative Date 1 January 2021

Below is a list of awards which will be amended by the 2020 State Wage Order including the rates payable on and from the commencement of the first pay period on or after 1 January 2021

 AWARDS LIST HERE

The Commission will deliver its decision in respect of the State Wage Case at 10:00 AM on Friday, 26 June 2020.

The Commission received written submissions from: 

• The Minister for Industrial Relations, and evidence from the State Department of Treasury about the Western Australian and national economies;
• The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Western Australia Limited;
• UnionsWA;
• The Western Australian Council of Social Service; and
• Professor Alison Preston of the UWA Business School.

Those submissions related to the level of increase the Commission ought to award to the State Minimum Wage and award rates of pay.

The Western Australian Industrial Relations Commission is required to set the minimum wage to apply to employers and employees covered by the WA industrial relations system.  It must do this before 1 July each year.  The current minimum wage for an adult employee of $746.90 per week was set in June 2019 to apply from 1 July 2019.

Call for submissions

The Commission invites interested persons and organisations to make a submission to the Commission on what minimum wage should be set in 2020. Due to the Covid-19 virus, the Commission will not hear oral submissions and there will be no public hearing. Instead, the Commission will consider written submissions.

Any person or organisation who wishes to make a written submission should do so by Tuesday, 12 May 2020.  Copies of written submissions will be published on the Commission’s website.  Anonymous submissions will not be considered.

Submissions can be made by email (Registry-Email), by post or over the counter (Level 17, 111 St Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000).  Please quote 'APPL 1 of 2020' in all correspondence.  Please feel free to contact the Commission's Registry about making a submission. 

Relevant criteria

In making its decision, the Commission is required to consider the need to —

• ensure that Western Australians have a system of fair wages and conditions of employment; and
• meet the needs of the low paid; and
• provide fair wage standards in the context of living standards generally prevailing in the community; and
• contribute to improved living standards for employees; and
• protect employees who may be unable to reach an industrial agreement; and
• encourage ongoing skills development.

It is also required to consider:

• the state of the economy of Western Australia and the likely effect of its decision on that economy and, in particular, on the level of employment, inflation and productivity in Western Australia; and
• to the extent that it is relevant, the state of the national economy; and
• to the extent that it is relevant, the capacity of employers as a whole to bear the costs of increased wages, salaries, allowances and other remuneration; and
• the need to ensure that the Western Australian award framework represents a system of fair wages and conditions of employment; and
• relevant decisions of other industrial courts and tribunals; and
• any other relevant matters.

People interested in making a submission are invited to address those issues.

Who will be covered by the 2020 State Wage Case General Order?

The General Order will apply to those employers and employees covered by the WA industrial relations system.  To find out if you are covered by the state system, or for further information on your employment conditions, please contact Wageline on 1300 655 266.

The 2021 State Wage Case

The Commission in Court Session has delivered its decision in the 2021 State Wage Case. The Commission increased the State Minimum Wage and award rates of pay in the State industrial relations system by 2.5% effective from 1 July 2021.

In its decision, the Commission noted that, given the unique circumstances of last year's State Wage Case and the case this year, the economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic had been a most important consideration in terms of the damaging impact of the outbreak of the pandemic and the subsequent recovery in this State and nationally. The Commission concluded that the Western Australian economy overall has recovered much more strongly that was anticipated in last year’s State Wage Case and that the most recent data before the Commission, points to ongoing recovery and growth.      

The Commission’s reasons for decision and minutes of proposed order were handed down at 9.15AM, Thursday 24 June 2021.

The Commission’s statement in relation to its decision can be read here.

A full copy of the Commission’s decision can be read here.

The General Order can be found here.

Relevant criteria

In making its decision, the Commission is required to consider the need to —

• ensure that Western Australians have a system of fair wages and conditions of employment; and
• meet the needs of the low paid; and
• provide fair wage standards in the context of living standards generally prevailing in the community; and
• contribute to improved living standards for employees; and
• protect employees who may be unable to reach an industrial agreement; and
• encourage ongoing skills development.

 It is also required to consider:

• the state of the economy of Western Australia and the likely effect of its decision on that economy and, in particular, on the level of employment, inflation and productivity in Western Australia; and
• to the extent that it is relevant, the state of the national economy; and
• to the extent that it is relevant, the capacity of employers as a whole to bear the costs of increased wages, salaries, allowances and other remuneration; and
• the need to ensure that the Western Australian award framework represents a system of fair wages and conditions of employment; and
• relevant decisions of other industrial courts and tribunals; and
• any other relevant matters.

People interested in making a submission are invited to address those issues. 

Who will be covered by the 2021 State Wage Case General Order?

The General Order will apply to those employers and employees covered by the WA industrial relations system.  To find out if you are covered by the state system, or for further information on your employment conditions, please contact Wageline on 1300 655 266.  

The 2024 State Wage Case 

The Western Australian Industrial Relations Commission is required to set the minimum wage to apply to employers and employees covered by the WA industrial relations system. It must do this before 1 July each year. The current minimum wage for an adult employee is $863.40 per week. 

Call for submissions

The Commission invites interested persons and organisations to make a submission to the Commission on what minimum wage should be set in 2024. The Commission will hear oral submissions on Wednesday, 22 May and if necessary, a half day on Thursday, 23 May 2024. The proceedings are open to the public and will be webcast. Any person who wishes to make an oral submission at that time should notify the Registrar of the Commission stating the basis of their interest. This must be done by Wednesday, 15 May 2024. 

Written submissions are also welcome. Any person or organisation who wishes to make a written submission should do so by Wednesday, 15 May 2024. Copies of written submissions will be made public. Anonymous submissions will not be considered. Submissions can be made by email, by post or over the counter (Level 2, 111 St Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000). Please quote ‘CICS 1 of 2024’ in all correspondence. Please feel free to contact the Commission's Registry about making a submission. 

Relevant criteria

In making its decision, the Commission is required to consider the need to —

• ensure that Western Australians have a system of fair wages and conditions of employment; and
•  meet the needs of the low paid; and
• provide fair wage standards in the context of living standards generally prevailing in the community; and
• contribute to improved living standards for employees; and
• protect employees who may be unable to reach an industrial agreement; and
• encourage ongoing skills development.  

It is also required to consider:

• the state of the economy of Western Australia and the likely effect of its decision on that economy and, in particular, on the level of employment, inflation and productivity in Western Australia; and
• to the extent that it is relevant, the state of the national economy; and
• to the extent that it is relevant, the capacity of employers as a whole to bear the costs of increased wages, salaries, allowances and other remuneration; and
• the need to ensure that the Western Australian award framework represents a system of fair wages and conditions of employment; and
• relevant decisions of other industrial courts and tribunals; and
• any other relevant matters. 

People interested in making a submission are invited to address those issues.Who will be covered by the 2024 State Wage Case General Order?

The General Order will apply to those employers and employees covered by the WA industrial relations system. To find out if you are covered by the State system, or for further information on your employment conditions, please contact Wageline on 1300 655 266.