1. Hon MARK GOSCHE (Labour—Maungakiekie) Link to this
to the Minister of Labour
What reports has she received on adjustments to the minimum wage?
Hon RUTH DYSON (Minister of Labour) Link to this
I have seen a number of reports that reflect the Labour-led Government’s commitment to continue annual adjustments to the minimum wage—and consultation on the 2007 rate is under way. Since 1999 this policy has seen the minimum adult wage rise by 46 percent. That stands in stark contrast to the last National-led Government, which over 9 years raised the minimum wage by less than $1 an hour.
Yes, I have. I have received one report that states: “I’m not one of the hard-core right-wingers who says: ‘Get rid of the minimum wage. You don’t need it.’ Some people take that view. I personally think it has a place and I don’t have problems with it rising.” I have seen a number of other reports stating that we should scrap the minimum wage altogether. The first report I quoted is from John Key. The others are from Dr Brash, who is presumably one of the hard-core right-wingers Mr Key was referring to.
One report, for example, suggests we abandon not only the minimum wage but also minimum holiday entitlements, parental leave, and the moves to close the gender pay and employment gap. Again, those are the wishes expressed by Dr Brash.
Peter BrownIs the Minister aware that New Zealand First is very determined not only to ensure that the minimum wage exists but to have it raised to $12 an hour before the end of this term of Parliament; will she advise whether the Government is on track to achieve that aim?