Senate debates

Wednesday, 1 July 2026

Statements by Senators

Wages and Salaries

1:59 pm

Photo of Jana StewartJana Stewart (Victoria, Australian Labor Party) | | Hansard source

It is a great day to be a worker in this country. We backed a pay rise for three million minimum and award wage workers, which kicks in today. The minimum wage goes up to $26.44 an hour—above $1,000 a week for the first time ever. Millions of workers—check-out staff, hospo, cleaners, aged care, child care and retail—are about to take home more because Labor backs workers. Under Labor, you'll always earn more and keep more of what you earn.

Photo of Sue LinesSue Lines (President) | | Hansard source

We'll now mover to question time.