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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.  

Previous State Wage Cases

Archives of the following State Wage Cases are available for viewing.

 

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016