Submission by the Bishop of Tasmania to the Australian Fair Pay Commission

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December 2006

Submission by the Bishop of Tasmania to the Australian Fair Pay Commission, July 2006

As you may well know I have been deeply concerned about several aspects of the new Industrial Relations legislation, including the Minimum Wage to be established by the new body, the Australian Fair Pay Commission.

After consulting with various Tasmanian Anglicans and some experts, I framed a submission to the Australian Fair Pay Commission.

The submission addressed the issue of a definition of 'fair' and argued that 'a fair day's work for a fair day's pay' is a reasonable summary of the Christian approach.

The obligations are mutual in the Christian tradition: employers to give a fair living wage, and employees to give a fair day's work. Both then fulfil their moral and spiritual duty.

Definition of 'fair'

A 'fair' wage determined by an 'Australian Fair Pay Commission': the terms imply moral attributes of 'fairness' within Australian culture as they may be applied to 'fair pay'.

1. A 'fair' wage provides secure housing, either rented or mortgaged.

2. 'Fair' suggests 'enough to support a reasonable standard of

3. 'Fair' implies 'choice.' People at or below the Poverty Line have no choice about where to live, or access to credit, or holidays, or consumer spending or the ability to save. .

4. A 'fair' minimum wage does not rely on social security to 'make up the difference' to a reasonable standard of living.

5. A 'fair' minimum wage leads to enhancement of civil society where individuals and families feel they belong.

6. A 'fair' minimum wage encourages people to keep working and off the social security lists.

The Decision of the Commission

The Fair Pay Commission decided to fully adjust the minimum wage by the inflation in the cost of living. I am very pleased with this decision. It is consistent with my submission.

I am disappointed that the Commission did not see fit to base the minimum wage on the needs of a family, although they noted my submission. I believe a family-based minimum wage still needs attention.

Nevertheless, I commend the Fair Pay Commission's Report to you. It has much valuable information and we look forward to its significant ongoing research program.

I congratulate the Fair Pay Commission on its first minimum wage decision.

The Right Reverend John Harrower, OAM, Bishop of Tasmania

My full Submission may be read here

	The Anglican Church in Tasmania Search
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	Home About Contact us News Issues Parishes Prayer Calendar Youth Resources

				December 2006

		Submission by the Bishop of Tasmania to the Australian Fair Pay Commission, July 2006 As you may well know I have been deeply concerned about several aspects of the new Industrial Relations legislation, including the Minimum Wage to be established by the new body, the Australian Fair Pay Commission. After consulting with various Tasmanian Anglicans and some experts, I framed a submission to the Australian Fair Pay Commission. The submission addressed the issue of a definition of 'fair' and argued that 'a fair day's work for a fair day's pay' is a reasonable summary of the Christian approach. The obligations are mutual in the Christian tradition: employers to give a fair living wage, and employees to give a fair day's work. Both then fulfil their moral and spiritual duty. Definition of 'fair' A 'fair' wage determined by an 'Australian Fair Pay Commission': the terms imply moral attributes of 'fairness' within Australian culture as they may be applied to 'fair pay'. 1. A 'fair' wage provides secure housing, either rented or mortgaged. 2. 'Fair' suggests 'enough to support a reasonable standard of 3. 'Fair' implies 'choice.' People at or below the Poverty Line have no choice about where to live, or access to credit, or holidays, or consumer spending or the ability to save. . 4. A 'fair' minimum wage does not rely on social security to 'make up the difference' to a reasonable standard of living. 5. A 'fair' minimum wage leads to enhancement of civil society where individuals and families feel they belong. 6. A 'fair' minimum wage encourages people to keep working and off the social security lists. The Decision of the Commission The Fair Pay Commission decided to fully adjust the minimum wage by the inflation in the cost of living. I am very pleased with this decision. It is consistent with my submission. I am disappointed that the Commission did not see fit to base the minimum wage on the needs of a family, although they noted my submission. I believe a family-based minimum wage still needs attention. Nevertheless, I commend the Fair Pay Commission's Report to you. It has much valuable information and we look forward to its significant ongoing research program. I congratulate the Fair Pay Commission on its first minimum wage decision. The Right Reverend John Harrower, OAM, Bishop of Tasmania My full Submission may be read here