The Evolution of Minimum Wage in Australia: A Report

This report provides an overview of the minimum wage system in Australia, focusing on its historical development and the landmark Harvester Judgement of 1907. The report argues that the minimum wage should be based on the needs of workers and their families, rather than solely on the employer's ability to pay. It highlights the importance of providing a living wage to improve the living conditions of workers and their future generations. The report also criticizes the current minimum wage, suggesting that it is insufficient to meet the essential needs of workers. The report references relevant academic sources, including journal articles and online resources. The report advocates for increased minimum wages to ensure fair and reasonable compensation for workers and improve their economic well-being.

In relation to modern awards and the current
minimum wage Australian labour law has not
changed that much since Justice Higgins
determined in the Suns

TABLE OF CONTENTS
MINIMUM WAGE.........................................................................................................................1
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................2

MINIMUM WAGE
We do not agree with this statement as the wages are given for the work done by the
worker. There were companies that were exploiting the workers because of their family needs
and job requirements. They were getting their work done by paying very low wages for the work
done. In year 1907, it was decide by arbitration court that wages should be based over the cost of
living of the worker and of his family. The minimum wage system of Australia is based over
what is fair & reasonable instead of what employer was offering (Harvester Judgement, 2019).
It was decided by judge that test for reasonable and fair wage is on normal needs of average
employee as human who is living in civilized community (Archibald, 2016). It was also decided
that wage of employee should not be dependent over the profits of employer. The judgement
gave the minimum wage of 2 pounds or 2 shillings for week. It was the average a worker was
required for shelter, food and clothing including his family.
In the decision it has considered all the normal needs of the individual of that time. As the
time has changes the normal needs of workers have increased. Minimum wage of 42 shillings is
not enough in Australia. The wages should also provide for the worker to improve his condition.
The minimum wages given by the businesses should be increased considering the essential needs
of workers. If the unskilled worker are nor paid enough than their future generations will also not
be able to get education through which can improve their family conditions (Behringer and van
Treeck, 2018). Otherwise the chain of unskilled workers will not be able to have better living
conditions and future.
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REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Archibald, B.P., 2016. Rights at Work: Fairness in Personal Work Relations and Restorative
Labour Market Regulation. Available at SSRN 2762976.
Behringer, J. and van Treeck, T., 2018. Varieties of capitalism and growth regimes: the role of
income distribution (No. 194). IMK Working Paper.
Online
Harvester Judgement. 2019. [Online]. Available through : <https://worksite.actu.org.au/the-
harvester-judgement-and-australias-minimum-wage/>.
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