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The minimum wage will increase to $21.20 per hour from April 1 – an increase of $48 for those on a 40 hour week.
Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Michael Wood says the rise will directly benefit about 300,000 workers and help many of the households most impacted by the effects of COVID.
He says many workers who earn the minimum wage have gone above and beyond in the fight against COVID-19, and they will be called on again with the spread of Omicron.
While the labour market has seen some COVID-related disruption the latest statistics show jobs and employment increasing across most sectors.
Mr Wood says the wage increase will stimulate the economy as many workers will spend the extra money on goods and services, which in turn will help support businesses.
The starting-out and training minimum wage will increase from $16 to $16.96 per hour.
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