The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF) says today’s decision by the Fair Work Commission (‘FWC’) to lift national minimum wages by 4.75% will help boost the pay of frontline care workers.

While disappointed the FWC did not meet the ACTU’s claim of a 6% rise, ANMF Federal Secretary Annie Butler said the increase would provide some relief to low-paid ANMF members and other critical workers struggling to keep-up with soaring rents, groceries, energy and fuel costs.

“While not far above inflation, we believe the increase is a step in the right direction for our members earning minimum or award wages,” Ms Butler said.

“For ANMF members working in aged care and award reliant workers in other critical industries, who continue to deal with low wages and increasing workloads, it’s crucial that their wages continue to keep pace with everyday cost of living pressures.”

The new national minimum wage, now $26.44 per hour, will take effect from 1 July, with pay boosts for Award reliant and other workers to follow.

Ms Butler said the people most affected by this decision are essential service workers, mostly female and in casual and part-time work arrangements.

“Although, there’s more work to do, today’s decision goes some way to acknowledging their critical contributions to Australian society.”