[Greens-Media] Greens call on Prime Minister to rule out reduction in minimum wage

[Edwards, Jon (Sen K. Nettle)]

01.03.05

Greens call on Prime Minister to rule out reduction in minimum wage


Greens Senator Kerry Nettle today called on the Prime Minister, John
Howard, and Workplace Relations Minister, Kevin Andrews, to rule out
reducing minimum wage rates.

"Talk of change to the minimum wage is terrifying for the hundreds of
thousands of Australians and their families who are scraping by on low
wages," Senator Nettle said.

"These struggling Australians deserve peace of mind. The Prime Minister
should rule out any future reduction in the minimum wage.

"The Greens abhor the government's attempts to blame the low paid for
the plight of the unemployed. 

"The government does not require any other wage earners to have their
level of remuneration determined with reference to unemployment levels.

"Despite there being record low levels of unemployment, Mr Andrews
thinks that low paid workers are getting too much money.

"To attack the minimum wage is to attack the poorest in our community
who have already been let down by a federal government unwilling to
invest in the housing, education and training infrastructure that they
desperately need.

"NATSEM confirmed last year that over 10% of Australians living in
poverty are working poor. Any attack on minimum wage levels will
threaten more wage earners with poverty.

"Government attempts to change the way the minimum wage is set are about
increasing profits for business not protecting the interests of the low
paid and unemployed.

"This government's vision for industrial relations will see more
Australians struggling in casual jobs paid at subsistence levels."

Contact Jon Edwards - 0428 213 146