Tony Sheldon (NSW, Australian Labor Party) | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, Senator Watt. Earlier this month, the Fair Work Commission handed down the 2026 annual wage review decision recommending a real wage increase for award and minimum wage workers. Minister, how will this decision provide cost-of-living relief for almost 2.7 million Australian workers across this country?

Murray Watt (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Minister for the Environment and Water) | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Sheldon, who, along with every senator in the Labor team, always stands up for the rights of working Australians. Senator Sheldon is right: earlier this month, the Fair Work Commission handed down the 2026 annual wage review decision. That increased modern award wages by 4.75 per cent and increased the national minimum wage by six per cent from 1 July this year. Importantly for the workers of Australia, this is another real wage increase under the Albanese government, and that will help workers and their families with their cost-of-living pressures.

Matthew Canavan (Queensland, Liberal National Party) | Link to this | Hansard source

Inflation is predicted to be five per cent! It's not a real increase.

Murray Watt (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Minister for the Environment and Water) | Link to this | Hansard source

Already we see Senator Canavan arguing against an increase to the minimum wage. This decision means that for the first time the national minimum wage will rise above $1,000 per week.

So angry, aren't you, about increases to the minimum wage.

Sue Lines (President) | Link to this | Hansard source

Minister Watt, direct your comments through the chair.

Murray Watt (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Minister for the Environment and Water) | Link to this | Hansard source

It means the minimum wage is now $12,079 higher per year compared to when the Albanese government was elected. This is the economically sustainable real wage increase that our government called for in our submission to the Fair Work Commission, and it's the fifth consecutive time we've called for an increase to the minimum wage. In making the decision, the Fair Work Commission expert panel considered a number of factors, including the performance of the national economy, which has been impacted by uncertainty around the conflict in the Middle East, and the relative living standards and needs of minimum and award wage earners. Modern award employees predominantly work part-time hours and are in female dominated industries, and a majority are casuals.

Of course, it shouldn't come as a surprise to senators on this side of the chamber that Labor welcomes this decision and the cost-of-living help it will provide to working Australians. This is the pay rise that millions of Australian workers need and deserve. This is much-needed cost-of-living help for the cleaners, carers, and hospitality and retail workers on the minimum wage, and award reliant workers, many of whom work fewer hours and have fewer financial buffers to fall back on. Under Labor wages are higher and income taxes are lower, and we're helping first home buyers into their— (Time expired)

Sue Lines (President) | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Sheldon, first supplementary?

Tony Sheldon (NSW, Australian Labor Party) | Link to this | Hansard source

The Albanese Labor government has consistently advocated for and endorsed wage rises for workers in a number of industries. Last week, the government announced a $3.6 billion extension to the pay rise for early childhood educators. Why is this extension important and how broad is the support for this announcement?

Murray Watt (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Minister for the Environment and Water) | Link to this | Hansard source

Thanks again, Senator Sheldon. The pay rise for early childhood educators is absolutely vital because it provides them with a $255 a week pay rise.

What was that, Senator Cash?

Michaelia Cash (WA, Liberal Party, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) | Link to this | Hansard source

I said, 'To deal with inflation.'

Murray Watt (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Minister for the Environment and Water) | Link to this | Hansard source

You're worried about low-paid workers getting a pay rise?

Sue Lines (President) | Link to this | Hansard source

Minister Watt.

Murray Watt (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Minister for the Environment and Water) | Link to this | Hansard source

You don't want low-paid workers to get a pay rise?

Sue Lines (President) | Link to this | Hansard source

Minister Watt!

Murray Watt (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Minister for the Environment and Water) | Link to this | Hansard source

I know someone else like that: Senator Hanson. The Liberal Party and One Nation are on a unity ticket to keep wages low. We are locking in that pay rise for early childhood educators, and we're funding it with a $3.6 billion investment. This pay rise is helping them pay their bills. It's helping them save and, importantly, it's helping them stay in jobs that they love. This is great news for educators and great news for parents as well.

But one person who didn't back it, of course, was Senator Hanson from the One Nation party. When asked what she thought of the government's increased funding for child care, she said that was 'ridiculous'. And when asked if the pay rises for early childhood educators are unnecessary, Senator Hanson replied, 'Didn't they get a pay rise not so long ago?'

Sue Lines (President) | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Sheldon, second supplementary?

Tony Sheldon (NSW, Australian Labor Party) | Link to this | Hansard source

Thank you, Minister, for outlining the 'uniparty's' opposition to wage rises. Ensuring the wages of low- and middle-income earners can continue to rise is a key part of our plan to help workers earn more and keep more of what they earn. What are some of the other ways the government is supporting workers, and how does that contrast with the other views in the community?

Murray Watt (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Minister for the Environment and Water) | Link to this | Hansard source

Well, not only have we, in Labor, supported workers by advocating for a wage rise, but we've also criminalised wage theft and, of course, provided tax cuts to every Australian worker. In contrast, One Nation is joined at the hip with the Liberals in wanting to wind back Australia's workplace laws, cut workers' wages and abolish paid parental leave. One Nation even seemed to think that all Australian workers are lazy; they want to make it easier to sack workers. So much for standing up for battlers!

Now, I feel I've heard some of that before. Of course, that's come from the Liberal Party as well. In fact, shadow treasurer Tim Wilson gave an interview on the ABC, on Thursday afternoon, backing in Senator Hanson's position. When asked if he thought there needed to be an 'IR overhaul'—Senator Hanson's words—Mr Wilson replied: 'I agree with that, but I agreed with it before she said it. I said it first.' Now the Liberals are claiming to have written One Nation policy. One Nation talk a big game, but they always cut the rights of workers. And right alongside them when they do it is the Liberal Party of Australia. (Time expired)