Welcome to the Low Pay ProjectIt was once claimed Australia was a worker's paradise. In the twenty-first century some hard questions are being asked about what has become of our working and living conditions.
• Does a full-time job still ensure a decent standard of living in Australia?
• Does a full-time job keep people out of poverty?
• Does hard work pay?
• Are low-paid jobs simply the first step on the occupational ladder?
• Are low-paid jobs for people (eg. students) who need some extra money, temporarily?
• Are legislated minimum wages guarantees against low wages?
• Who are the 'working poor' and why do they exist?
Some facts on low pay:
• 80% of the 2.5 million jobs created in Australia since the 1980s have been paid less than $600 per week (in 2000 values)
• 48% of net new jobs paid less than $15,600 per annum
• almost 1/3 of working Australians work as casuals
• 70% of low paid workers are of prime working age
• 45% of Australians living in poverty have a wage earner in their household
• 1.2 million wage and salary earning households suffer financial stress
• 10% of poverty-related services from some community organisations target workers
The Low Pay Project is investigating the dimensions and causes of these concerning trends. It is examining the effects of low pay on Australian workers, households, and the national social and economic fabric. The Project will inform public debate, union and welfare sector responses, and government policy on low pay.
This Project is funded by:
• Australian Research Council
• Australian Liquor, Hospitality and Miscellaneous Workers Union
• Brotherhood of St Laurence
• Unions NSW
• SA Unions
• Victorian Trades Hall Council
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