The Albanese Labor Government's landmark Same Job Same Pay changes are delivering significant wage rises for workers across the economy, by making sure those working as labour hire are not paid less than permanent employees when they are doing the same job.
In Newcastle today, Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations Murray Watt announced that since changes came into force on 1 November 2024 workers in the mining, aviation, meat processing and warehousing industries have already benefitted.
This includes 120 workers in NSW mines who have seen their wages grow by up to $35,000 a year.
Another 1,500 NSW mine workers are likely to see their wages rise through Same Job Same Pay applications that are in the pipeline.
We are seeing that closing the loophole in wages between labour hire and permanent employees is also starting to have the effect of improving culture in the industry, with reports of has the added benefit of increasing permanent roles and stability across the economy overall.
The historic Closing Loopholes legislation allows labour hire workers, or their union on their behalf, to apply to be paid the full rate of pay as a comparable employee under the host employer's enterprise agreement, where they are performing the same job.
Examples of successful Same Job Same Pay orders include:
- Workers at a meat processing facility in Queensland who have had wage increases of up to 42%
- 90 workers in a NSW coal mine operated by Boggabri Coal Operations who have secured pay increases of between $15,600 and $35,000.
- Up to 200 Kmart warehouse workers who have secured wage increases of up to $11.56 per hour.
The higher wages these workers have gained are at risk from Peter Dutton and the Coalition, who have said they will "review" these changes if they are elected.
Australian workers can't afford a Dutton Government cutting their pay.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations and Senator for Queensland Murray Watt:
"Labor said we would get wages moving and that's exactly what we are doing.
"The changes we've made are common sense - if you're doing the same job, you should be getting the same pay.
"This has already put thousands of dollars back in the pockets of workers that they rightfully earned.
"But this is all at risk under Peter Dutton, who wants to wind back these laws in favour of his big business mates.
"The Albanese Labor Government will always stand up to make sure working people are paid what they are owed.
"At a time when people are doing it tough, you can't risk Peter Dutton cutting your pay."
