The Fair Work Commission (FWC) today announced the findings of its annual wage review, declaring a 3.75 per cent increase for those on the National Minimum Wage and modern awards. The new pay rates will apply from 1 July.   

It is also a timely reminder that the minimum base rate in an Enterprise Agreement cannot be less than the minimum base rate in an award for an equivalent classification level. 

The FWC also announced that disability home care workers and other social and community services workers will be included in a list of occupations with gender undervaluation issues in some modern awards. FWC-initiated proceedings will start soon and completed by the time of next year’s wage review. 

Today’s annual wage review outcome, as well as the latest monthly consumer price index (CPI) indicator from the ABS, reflects the inflationary pressures in the economy. In addition to wages, there have been increases in insurance, training, regulatory compliance, leasing and electricity and so on.  

National Disability Services recently made a submission to the NDIS Annual Pricing Review, calling for CPI and wage indexation to be reflected in NDIS pricing. We also want supplements to be applied to reflect the true costs of registration and delivering core supports — including therapy supports. 

It is time to acknowledge that the issues with NDIS pricing are systemic and structural, felt across the sector. We need an independent pricing approach that provides fairer, best-practice pricing in the NDIS.  

A scheme of this size and importance deserves no less. 

The NDIS Annual Pricing Review outcome is due to be handed down in the next fortnight, to take effect in July.