MINIMUM WAGE SEMINARS FOR QUEENSLAND EMPLOYERS

Queensland employers are being urged to attend a series of free seminars being held in the region to detail the introduction of a new minimum wage for all Queensland employees.

Industrial Relations Minister Gordon Nuttall said the seminars would be run state wide from mid-August to help educate employers on their rights and responsibilities regarding the new minimum wage.

"Since May 1, and for the first time in Queensland, a new minimum wage now applies to all workers, not just those working under awards.

"The decision helps to protect the lowest paid and most disadvantaged workers in Queensland.

Mr Nuttall said the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission decision meant non-award industries had new pay rate obligations for the first time.

"Full time adult employees 20 years and older not covered by an award or agreement are now entitled to a minimum wage of $431.40 per week and relative percentages of this rate apply for junior employees," Mr Nuttall said.

(Currently the Queensland minimum wage is $431.40 per week. From September 1, 2003 it will rise to $448.40.)

"This wage also applies where the award rate is less than this amount.

The free seminars target employers and employees likely to be affected, including those engaged in:

* computer services * dairy, fruit, vegetable and grain farms * fishing industry * child care * home services * horse racing * residential tree lopping * boarding kennel establishments.

Mr Nuttall said the seminars would explain how minimum wage affected juniors, part-time and casual employees, and employees working in excess of 40 hours per week. Legal requirements for the payment of a minimum wage and other statutory entitlements for non award employees would also be discussed.

Mr Nuttall said the decision followed an application by the Beattie Government to the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission under the recommendations of the Pay Equity Inquiry of 2001.

The Commission also has the power to review the minimum wage on an annual basis.

"Although most employees are covered by a state or federal award or agreement, statistics indicate that up to 17% of workers are not covered by an award."

Wages for non award employees were previously a matter for negotiation and mutual agreement between employer and employee, with no obligation to pay a minimum rate of wages. However, the Commission declaration now means that most employees not covered by an award or agreement are entitled to a minimum wage based on a rate of $431.40 per week (and $448.40 from 1 September) for a full time adult 20 years of age and over.

Figures released by Mr Nuttall recently showed inspectors had recovered a record $8.15 million in unpaid wages on behalf of Queensland workers in the financial year 2002-2003. Nearly 8600 wage complaints had been finalised by his department during the same period.

The figures are an increase on last financial year (2001-2002) when 8135 wage complaints were investigated and acted upon by the department, recovering $7.1 million in wages for Queensland workers.

To find out more about the seminars or to register your interest contact 1300 369 945.

Media inquiries only: Leisa Schultz 3225 2017 or 0419 746 093.