Wages rise 3.4% as Labor policies drive growth

Real wage growth continues 18-month streak as RBA considers further rate cuts amid historic public spending levels

Credit: Jim Chalmers FB page

Australia's economic recovery is gaining significant momentum as new data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) shows wages grew 3.4% in the year to March 2025, marking 18 consecutive months of real wage growth under the Albanese Labor Government.

The latest wage price index indicates Australians are experiencing meaningful economic gains during a period of moderating inflation, with real wages growing at 1.0% through the year to March quarter 2025—the strongest rate of annual real wage growth in five years.

"We're really pleased with today's figures which show annual real wages have now grown for six quarters in a row, after going badly backwards under the previous Liberal government and falling for the five quarters in the lead up to the 2022 election," stated Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Employment Minister Amanda Rishworth in a joint media release.

"Australians voted for higher wages at the election, and that's what today's numbers show," they added.

The positive wage data comes as the Reserve Bank of Australia prepares for its upcoming interest rate decision, with economists suggesting all four criteria previously outlined by Governor Bullock for rate cuts have now been met.

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