ACOSS has welcomed the Fair Work Commission’s decision to increase the national minimum wage by 3.5% and is calling for further action to lift living standards.
“This decision will help ease the pressure on low-paid workers who are struggling to cover their basic costs,” said ACOSS CEO Dr Cassandra Goldie.
ACOSS is calling for further government action to protect those on the lowest incomes who are struggling to pay their energy bills, following news that electricity prices will increase from 1 July 2025.
Today the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) released its final determination for the electricity default market offer (DMO) for NSW, SA and QLD, announcing increases between 0.5% and 9.7%, depending on the network area people live in.
Australia’s housing crisis is worsening and requires bold action from all governments, ACOSS said today following the release of The State of the Housing System 2025 report.
The report, published by the National Housing Supply and Affordability Council (NHSAC), found housing affordability has continued to deteriorate, especially for people on the lowest incomes, while rental stress has become more persistent and is damaging people’s health.
ACOSS has welcomed today’s interest rate cut and is calling for further cuts in coming months to ease financial pressure on people struggling.
“Today’s rate cut is hugely important for people on low and modest incomes who have been worst affected by financial pressures,” said ACOSS CEO Dr Cassandra Goldie.
ACOSS is calling on the Reserve Bank of Australia to cut interest rates again tomorrow, warning that continued financial pressure is hitting people on low and modest incomes the hardest.
“With inflation now consistently within the RBA’s target range, further interest rate reductions are clearly needed to avoid further harm to people under severe strain,” said ACOSS CEO Cassandra Goldie.
