Cook Labor Government welcomes pay rise for low-paid workers

• State Minimum Wage and State award wages to increase by 4.75 per cent from 1 July 2026
• State Wage Case decision reflects the resilience of the Western Australian economy and labour market
• Western Australia is the best place in the world to get a quality job

The Cook Labor Government has welcomed today's decision by the Western Australian Industrial Relations Commission (WAIRC) to increase the State Minimum Wage and State award wages by 4.75 per cent through this year's State Wage Case.

The new State Minimum Wage in the State industrial relations system will be $998.30 a week, or $26.27 per hour, from 1 July 2026.

Today's decision by the WAIRC follows the decision earlier this month by the Fair Work Commission to increase award wages for national system employees by 4.75 per cent, with an additional increase for the lowest-paid classifications.

The WAIRC took into account the strength of the Western Australian economy and labour market in delivering a similar increase for employees who are paid State award rates.

This increase will benefit award-reliant and minimum wage workers in the State industrial relations system, with private sector employees covered by the State system comprising up to 20 per cent of the Western Australian workforce.

Comments attributed to Industrial Relations Minister Simone McGurk:

"The Cook Labor Government welcomes today's decision by the WA Industrial Relations Commission to award a 4.75 per cent increase to employees on minimum or award wages.

"As noted by the WA Industrial Relations Commission, Western Australia's economy continues to perform strongly with domestic economic growth outpacing national growth.

"Meanwhile WA's labour market remains the strongest in the nation, with a record number of Western Australians in work and solid employment growth.

"The Cook Labor Government acknowledges the lowest-paid workers are most impacted by cost-of-living pressures, and we are pleased the WA Industrial Relations Commission's decision will give them a pay rise."