The Australian Fair Pay Commission (AFPC) was an Australian legislative body created under the Howard Government's "WorkChoices" industrial relations law in 2006 to set the minimum rate of pay for workers. Established to replace the wage setting functions of the Australian Industrial Relations Commission, the AFPC set and adjusted a single adult minimum wage, non-adult minimum wages (such as training wage), minimum wages for award classification levels and casual loadings. The AFPC was abolished in December 2009 when the wage setting function was given to the Minimum wage panel of Fair Work Australia.
Professor Ian Harper was the inaugural chairman of the AFPC, presiding over 4 commissioners: Mr Hugh Armstrong, Mr
The profile of the members of this commission was different from that of the Australian Industrial Relations Commission which previously had responsibility for determining the above quantities. There was less representation on behalf of the trade unions, and less transparency in decision-making, making it possible for the Australian Fair Pay Commission to make judgements with no community oversight or consultation. Unlike the Australian Industrial Relations Commission, the commission funded substantial research on the economic effects of raising the minimum wage, and proponents claimed that this placed more of an emphasis on determining whether the economic evidence suggested that raising the minimum wage made the poor better off.
Critics argued that the board lacked independence and scope and that it reduced the benefits of workers, while supporters believes that stimulated the economy and improved working conditions.
Read more about Australian Fair Pay Commission: 2006 Decision, 2007 Decision, Australian Trade Union Reaction To The Creation of The AFPC
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