Appendix 2: Recent changes to the minimum wage
The following table sets out changes in minimum wage rates since 2003. It also shows how minimum wages have tracked over time as a proportion of average earnings using the Quarterly Employment Survey (QES).
| Key changes in minimum wages | Minimum wage rates % increase % of average wages |
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | Youth | New entrants | ||
| 2003 | All minimum wages increased by 6.3%, higher than average wage increase of 2.7% from the year 2002. Training minimum wage (set at the youth minimum wage) came into effect from 1 July 2003. | $8.50 6.3% 43.3% |
$6.80 6.3% |
- |
| 2004 | All minimum wages increased by 5.9%, higher than average wage increase of 3.7%. | $9.00 5.9% 44.3% |
$7.20 5.9% |
- |
| 2005 | All minimum wages increased by 5.6%, higher than average wage increase of 2.7%. | $9.50 5.6% 44.9% |
$7.60 5.6% |
- |
| 2006 | All minimum wages increased by 7.9%, higher than average wage increase of 2.7%. | $10.25 7.9% 46.1% |
$8.20 7.9% |
- |
| 2007 | All minimum wages increased by 9.8%, higher than average wage increase of 4.2%. | $11.25 9.8% 49.3% |
$9.00 9.8% |
- |
| 2008 | Adult minimum wage increased by 6.7%, higher than the average wage increase of 5.2%. | $12.00 6.7% 50.0% |
$9.60 | |
| 2009 | All minimum wages increased by 4.2%, lower than the average wage increase of 5.3%. | $12.50 4.2% 50.0% |
$10.00 4.2% |
|
| 2010 | All minimum wages increased by 2%, lower than the average wage increase of 3%. | $12.75 2% 49.5% |
$10.20 2% |
|
Notes to the table
- Percentage mean average wages were calculated using the Quarterly Employment survey, June quarter.
- In 2008, the new entrants’ minimum wage was introduced for 16 and 17 year olds. Depending on their length of service, whether they are trainees and whether they are training or supervising other workers, 16 and 17 year olds may be eligible for the new entrants’ minimum wage or the adult minimum wage.
