Annual Wage Review 2013–14 Summary

[2013] FWC 4689

FAIR WORK COMMISSION

STATEMENT

Fair Work Act 2009
s.285—Annual wage reviews to be conducted

Annual Wage Review 2013–14
(C2014/1)

JUSTICE ROSS, PRESIDENT

MELBOURNE, 17 JULY 2013

DRAFT TIMETABLE

[1] The Annual Wage Review 2012-13 decision stated that a timetable for the Annual Wage Review 2013-14 would be announced in the last quarter of 2013. 1

[2] The following draft timetable for the Annual Wage Review 2013-14 has been prepared for comment:

Date March–June 2014	Event Annual Wage Review for the 2013–14 financial year
28 March 2014	Closing date for lodging submissions
15 April 2014	Closing date for lodging reply submissions and any submissions relating to data published after 28 March 2014
18-21 April 2014 2 May 2014	Easter Break Closing date for expressions of interest in taking part in the final consultations
16 May 2014*	Closing date for lodging supplementary submissions limited to matters arising from the Budget
20–21 May 2014	Final consultations in Melbourne (21 May 2014) and Sydney (22 May 2014)

* This date has been set on the assumption that the Budget for 2013–14 will be handed down on the second Tuesday of May, 13 May 2014, consistent with past practice.

[3] Any submissions or suggestions in relation to the draft timetable should be received by 20 September 2013 and can be filed electronically at awr@fwc.gov.au or by facsimile to (03) 9655 0401.

[4] A final timetable will be released in October 2013 on the Fair Work Commission website. 2

PRESIDENT

1 [2013] FWCFB 4000, at para. 602.

2 by authority of the Commonwealth Government Printer

CaseChat Overview and Summary

The Annual Wage Review 2013-14 was conducted by the Fair Work Commission under the Fair Work Act 2009. The review was concerned with setting the minimum wages and conditions for employees across various awards in Australia for the 2013-14 financial year. The review was part of the statutory obligation of the Commission to conduct such reviews annually.

The key legal issue before the Commission was to determine the appropriate method and criteria for setting the minimum wage rates and conditions for various awards. This involved assessing economic indicators such as inflation, productivity, and the cost of living, as well as considering submissions from various stakeholders including employers, employees, and industry groups. The Commission also needed to ensure that the review process was fair, transparent, and compliant with the statutory requirements set out in the Fair Work Act.

The Fair Work Commission considered the submissions received and the economic data available, including the Consumer Price Index and Wage Price Index. The Commission determined that a modest increase in the minimum wage was warranted to ensure that wages kept pace with inflation and the cost of living, while also considering the impact on businesses and the broader economy. The Commission concluded that a 3% increase was appropriate, taking into account the need to balance the interests of employees and employers. This decision was based on a careful analysis of the economic conditions and the submissions received during the review process.

The final orders included a 3% increase in the minimum wage rates for various awards, effective from the first day of the July 2013 period. The Commission also set out the detailed timetable for the review process, which included specific deadlines for the submission of data and the conduct of consultations. The final timetable was released in October 2013, providing clarity and certainty for all parties involved in the annual wage review process.

Annual Wage Review 2013–14

CaseChat Overview and Summary

Orders of the court

Background to the litigation

Evidence Before The Court

Reasons for decision

Legal Principle Established