Enterprise Agreements

The Hon. B.R. HOOD (14:44): Supplementary: will the minister commit to real wage increases for our frontline workers—liveable wages?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector, Special Minister of State) (14:45): I am happy to answer that question because, as I said in the answer to the question, there is a stark, stark difference between the Hon. Ben Hood's party's philosophy and the Labor government's philosophy. The Hon. Ben Hood's party's philosophy is cut real wages—cut real wages, take things off the table, don't negotiate anywhere near in good faith. The Labor government's philosophy is real wage rises over and above inflation. That is what we have done with doctors. That is what we have done with allied health professionals. That is what we do: real wage rises. What do the Liberals do? Cut wages.