The Western Australian Industrial Relations Commission

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