Kate Wilkinson: $12.50 a fair minimum wage

Hon Trevor Mallard: Why was the recommended option in the Ministers first Cabinet committee paper for a nil increase?

Hon KATE WILKINSON: Several options were recommended to Cabinet. Cabinet decided that $12.50 was the fair minimum wage to set, bearing in mind the economic conditions and that protecting jobs was our priority.

Michael Woodhouse: What reports has the Minister seen on the minimum wage?

Hon KATE WILKINSON: I have seen several reports, including one from Mr Mallard himself, who said he could not commit to a large increase in the minimum wage due to the economic conditions in October last year—conditions that we know have since worsened. I have seen a report from Phil Goff demanding a rise to $13. I have seen the Labour Partys election manifesto, which promotes an increase to $12.65. Yet Labour members own colleague, Darien Fenton, has gone on to describe todays increase as miserable and measly. I ask where the Opposition actually stands on the minimum wage.

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News & Politics

Tags:

• kate wilkinson
• michael woodhouse
• trevor mallard

[fjbutch]

$12:50 fair....get real Kate. People are hurting out here...