Introduction
Our initial submission demonstrates that our claim in this Review is appropriate and accords with all the factors the Panel must take into account.
Our claim to increase the National Minimum Wage (‘NMW’) by $50 per week or 7.2%, and all other award minimum wages by 7.2% is proposed as a means of addressing the sliding growth in real wages and the relative standard of living and the needs of the low paid. It will also raise spending and employment in the economy. It will work towards reducing inequality and increasing economic growth.
In this submission we show that data released since 13 March are consistent with the description of current economic conditions and the near-term economic outlook that we offered in our initial submission.
In this submission we also respond to a range of arguments and claims made in other parties’ initial submissions. We do not respond to all the arguments with which we disagree. We rely on our previous submissions in respect of arguments that have been adequately addressed in earlier Reviews, particularly where the Panel has expressed firm views about such arguments.
This submission also includes our responses to the Questions on Notice published by the Panel.
We express our interest in participating in the consultations to occur in Melbourne on 15 May, at which the Panel members will be able to seek our responses to any matters not addressed in this reply submission.
