Fair Work Commission

In its Annual Wage Review 2010-11 decision ([2011] FWAFB 3400), the Minimum Wage Panel of Fair Work Australia (the Panel) stated that:

• '[227] While there is a reasonable level of agreement on the relevant indicators of relative wages and living standards, there is no consensus on how to measure and assess the needs of the low paid. Some parties have called for a program of research and consultations to inform the Panel in this regard. We would welcome the considered views of interested parties on what were the most pertinent and valuable proxy measures of the needs of the low paid and how these are changing. The Fair Work Australia Research Report 2/2011 provides a useful starting point. One or more members of the Panel will consult with any interested parties and provide a report under s.290 of the Fair Work Act.'

On 30 September 2011, the President directed Senior Deputy President Watson and Professor Richardson to consult interested parties on the most pertinent and valuable proxy measures of the needs of the low paid and how these are changing, and to prepare a report for the Minimum Wage Panel under s.290 of the Fair Work Act 2009.

s.290 Report

On 14 December 2011, Senior Deputy President Watson and Professor Richardson issued their report pursuant to s.290 of the Fair Work Act.

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