Unions and business groups are at odds over how much Australia's minimum wage should increase to alleviate cost of living pressures. The federal government has suggested the annual wage increase needs to keep pace with the economy, with inflation sitting at 4.1 per cent, but has not revealed a specific percentage. Treasurer Jim Chalmers said a boost was vital to keep up with the cost of living pressures and to ensure "low-paid workers in this country don't go backwards". The Fair Work Commission's annual wage review decision affects the national minimum wage and Award pay rates, which about a quarter of all Australian ... (full story)