I don't think anyone in this country doesn't want to see those on the minimum wage get a little something extra, because it would be easier for these people to not work and to go on social welfare benefits and be much better off.
Having said that, our industries that are relying on low income earners to survive are literally bleeding from the ears right now with the high AU dollar, taxes, etc. All this is a direct result of free trade agreements with countries that have a massive amount of able workers that are ultimately denied the rights that we Aussies demand. Importing goods from these nations does have its drawbacks - we are seeing the direct result right now as we speak!
Importation tariffs existed for a reason, which was primarily to keep people in jobs as to maintain 'an acceptable' living standard. Now I know most of you on this site just love our free trade agreements - we have all benefited directly as a result. But I'm 100% sure we're going to see a decline in living standards in this nation by avoiding hard unrewarding work and to rely on the blood sweat and tears from those who are poorly paid so that we can consume cheaply.
Now we're eating fruit and veggies imported from nations that do not have the same 'strict' production standards that hinder our local producers; these foreign growers can get away with what we can't (please don't remind me gain what some use as fertiliser).
Yes, I want low wage earners to earn more - I really think they deserve an acceptable standard of living. They have decided to get off their backsides to contribute to this nation's prosperity instead of doing nothing and expecting everything from the tax payer. Problem is there's nothing left in the til to pay them with.
