Address to the House of Representatives, Statements by Members - Taxation

Monday 25 March 2023

One of the best ways to ensure workers can deal with cost-of-living pressures is to ensure that they earn enough to provide for their loved ones and to get ahead—not one or the other. This is how the social contract should work.

That's why the Albanese government will argue for the Fair Work Commission to deliver an increase to minimum wages, in line with the rate of inflation, on top of the historic increases delivered in 2023.

We don't sit on our hands. This is in line with our broader economic plan to help Australians earn more and keep more of what they earn. This is why we're focused on delivering strong and sustainable wage growth, and it's also why we're giving a tax cut to every Australian taxpayer on 1 July this year. Labor's tax cuts will be good for Middle Australia, good for women, good for helping with cost-of-living pressures, good for labour supply and good for the economy.

This government does not believe Australians should just be surviving on their incomes. We on this side want Australians earning more and keeping more of what they earn, which is why we're supporting cost-of-living increases in the Fair Work Commission wage case.