NEW BASIC WAGE

Evening Post, Volume CXIV, Issue 50, 27 August 1932, Page 13

NEW BASIC WAGE

REDUCTION IN N.S.W.

COMMISSION'S DECISION

HEATY DROP FOE 3IALES

United Press Association—By Electric Tele-

graph—Copyrijlit.

SYDNEY, 26th August,

The Industrial Commission appointed by the New South Wales Government after the elections, consisting of three Judges, with Mr. Justice Browne as chairman, conducted an exhaustive- inquiry into the cost of living with a view to determining a new basic wago for male and female employees. Their decision was announced today, -when they declared a basic wage of £3 10s for males and £1 ISs for females. This represents a. drop of 12s 3d in the ease of males and 6s 6d in the case of females.

The commission expressed the opinion that the proper amount allowable for shelter or Ti>nt was ISs, for clothing 10s Sd, miscellaneous 17s 4d, food and groceries 245. The male wage is based on the needs of a man, wife, and one child.

It is estimated that the State Government will save £165,000 for every shilling the- wage is reduced. On the other hand, the Government will lose a substantial sum annually on the unemployment relief tax by reason, of lower wages. The Government hopes that the fall-ing-off of the unemployed relief tax will be counterbalanced by increased employment. Trade circles calculate that the drop in the basic wage will reduce the State wages bill by £8,750,000. Employees' unions are surprised at the heavy reduction of 12s 6d in the case of males, and declare that it will bo most difficult for families to pay their way. It will also make trade worse by further curtailing the spending power of the workers by at least £7,500,000.