NSW: Govt to make state wage case submission

AAP General News (Australia)
04-13-2006
NSW: Govt to make state wage case submission

EDS: Embargoed to 0001 Thursday, April 13.



SYDNEY, April 13 AAP - The NSW government will today make a submission to the 2006
state wage case calling for a $20 weekly increase in the minimum wage.

State Industrial Relations Minister John Della Bosca said the NSW Industrial Relations
Commission hearing was going ahead in defiance of federal government attempts to block
it.

"We will not be intimidated by the Commonwealth's bullying tactics and we will not
relinquish our responsibility to maintain a balanced system for workers and business,"

Mr Della Bosca said.

Mr Della Bosca said the NSW government would push for an increase, in contrast to the
Howard government's contention that there should be a $70 weekly cut to the minimum wage.

"Our submission presents substantial economic and statistical evidence that an immediate
$20 increase is both necessary, responsible and affordable," he said.

"(It) demonstrates that such an increase will have a significantly beneficial impact
on labour force participation and productivity."

Mr Della Bosca said the NSW government also welcomed the federal government's request
to be heard in the state wage case.

"NSW welcomes the Commonwealth's involvement and await with interest its view on the
minimum wage for workers in NSW," he said.

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KEYWORD: WORKPLACE NSW (EMBARGOED)

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