George Brandis (Queensland, Liberal Party, Attorney-General) Share this | Hansard source

I have looked at the submission. We are not opposing a wage rise at all but, consistent with the practice of governments of both political persuasions, the government does not nominate a particular figure for the minimum wage. Let me read to you what has been submitted to the commission:

The Australian government considers that the approach to the minimum wages must be both economically responsible and fair.

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Therefore, the [national minimum wage] should be set at a level that provides sufficient incentives for people who are not employed, including those receiving unemployment benefits, to enter work. However, the [national minimum wage] should not be set so high as to place undue financial burdens on businesses, discouraging them from employing low skilled workers.

That was not our submission this year. It was your party's submission when you were in government and when Mr Shorten was the responsible minister. The submission this government filed yesterday, in proceedings yet to commence, was to the same effect. (Time expired)