"He was adamant that you couldn't start a business if you had to pay a "liveable" wage to your employees."
Define livable wage.
I would assume one that could pay the basics...rent, food, utilities, health, education and a little left over for savings to cover emergencies. These amounts would be covered without fretting over juggling the money.
Does the award rate in Australia cover this?
If you want a livable wage you need take on two jobs...imo...unless you have a profession behind you.