April 2012

In its Submission in reply, the ACCER argues for an increase of $17.80 per week in safety net wage rates below the C10 rate; and for a further increase of $10.00 per week in the National Minimum Wage based on new data for the March 2012 Consumer Price Index and the Melbourne Institute’s estimate of per capita household disposable income (HDI), for December 2011.

Submission in Reply 2011-2012 Annual Wage Review

March 2012

This submission by the Australian Catholic Council for Employment Relations (ACCER) focuses on the needs of the low paid and relative living standards.  It is primarily made for the purpose of improving the living standards of low paid workers and their families.

ACCER’s advocacy is informed by the Church’s experience as a major employer in Australia with over 150,000 employees in health, aged care, education, welfare and administration; but it essentially arises from the belief, based on Catholic social teaching, that workers have the right to wages that will support themselves and their families at a decent standard of living. 

The full submission can be accessed through the following link:

ACCER Submission to the 2011-2012 Annual Wage Review

Quantifying the needs of low paid workers and their families is not an optional research activity in the setting of fair minimum wages. It is just as important as any other area of economic research that may relate to the setting fair minimum wages. We submit that FWA has a statutory obligation under the Fair Work Act 2009 to inquire into the needs of the low paid.

ACCER Research Proposal for the Annual Wage Review 2011 - 12