Hike in minimum wage gives much needed boost to hospitality workers

Workers in the hospitality industry have received a much-needed boost in their pay packets this month, with a 5.2 per cent rise in the minimum wage across a number of key industries. 

The Fair Work Commission’s decision to raise the minimum wage for workers under the hospitality award, the restaurant industry award and registered and licensed clubs awards from $20.33 to $21.38 came into effect this month. 

Workers with wages above $869 per week will see a slightly smaller increase of 4.6 per cent, with almost a quarter of the country’s workforce covered by higher award wages. 

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese threw his support behind the decision to increase the award wages back in June. 

“They deserve a pay rise, and today they got it,” he said. 

Fair Work Commission president Iain Ross said the rise in the minimum award wage would help those most vulnerable to rising prices. 

“The lowest paid are particularly vulnerable in the context of rising inflation,” he said.

AHD - 10-10-22