Greg Jericho, Chief Economist at the Australia Institute, discusses the misconception that wage increases lead to inflation spikes. He explains the importance of fair wage growth, challenges fears of economic repercussions, and analyzes the impact of minimum wage adjustments on the economy. Jericho also compares Australia's minimum wage internationally and examines the relationship between wage growth and inflation.
A modest wage increase won't cause inflation spikes, emphasizing the need for fair pay adjustments.
Ensuring minimum wages keep up with living costs is crucial to supporting low-paid workers.
Deep dives
Aged Care Workers Celebrate 23% Pay Rise
Aged care workers in Australia have recently received a significant 23% pay rise, marking a crucial recognition for their vital role. Despite the celebration, it is highlighted that this pay increase, though substantial, brings the workers' annual income to around $63,000, emphasizing the ongoing issue of low wages in this essential sector. The government's advocacy for this pay rise is acknowledged, signaling a positive step towards addressing the long-standing need for better compensation for aged care workers.
Increasing Minimum Wages and Inflation Concerns
The ongoing debate regarding increasing minimum wage and its potential impact on inflation is discussed. While there are arguments that higher wages could lead to increased consumer spending and inflation, historical trends show that wage growth has not significantly influenced inflation levels. The importance of ensuring that minimum wages keep pace with the cost of living, as well as the distinction between statutory minimum wage and award wages affecting millions of workers, is emphasized.
Balancing Wages, Costs of Living, and Inflation
The relationship between wages, cost of living, and inflation in Australia is analyzed, revealing that the country's high wages are offset by a relatively higher cost of living. Comparisons of minimum wage levels to median earnings and essential item prices highlight the necessity for fair wage increases to improve living standards for low-paid workers. The discussion challenges the notion that wage rises for essential workers would lead to economic destabilization, emphasizing the significance of supporting low-paid workers for humanitarian and economic reasons.
Despite claims by some business groups and commentators, a modest wage increase for workers isn’t going to send inflation skyrocketing, says Greg Jericho.
On this episode, Greg explains that wages should be rising faster than inflation and says claims a five per cent wage increase for the lowest paid Australians will lead to out-of-control prices and unemployment are little more than fearmongering.
Greg Jericho is Chief Economist at the Australia Institute and the Centre for Future Work and popular columnist of Grogonomics with Guardian Australia. Each week on Dollars & Sense, Greg dives into the latest economic figures to explain what they can tell us about what’s happening in the economy, how it will impact you and where things are headed.
We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au.