Australia live news update: industry and unions at odds over push for minimum wage rise; fifth monkeypox case recorded

Ben Smee

Murugappan family returns to Biloela

A thousand extra people are expected to attend the Queensland festival that will serve as the Murugappan family’s unofficial homecoming, writes Ben Smee.

Morning everyone! This is Cait Kelly. Here are the big headlines this morning:

The Albanese government has backed a 5.1% pay rise for workers on minimum wages, but industry groups and unions continue to be at odds on how much the minimum wage should increase.

The new Labor government urged the commission to ensure the wages of low-income workers do not go backwards in its submission to the body.

The government said wages of low-paid workers should increase amid rising inflation levels.

In considering its decision on wages for this year, the government recommends the Fair Work Commission ensures that the real wages of Australia’s low-paid workers do not go backwards.

High and rising inflation and weak wages growth are reducing real wages across the economy and creating cost of living pressures for low-paid workers.

A Victorian man has become the fifth monkeypox case detected in Australia after returning from the UK.

The returned overseas traveller, aged in his 30s, developed mild symptoms after arriving back in Melbourne and seeking medical attention.

And an Australian-based importer has been fined more than $10,000 after buying 13,500 Covid-19 rapid antigen tests from overseas.

Therapeutic Goods Administration alleges the tests weren’t on the Australia Register of Therapeutic Goods when imported. They were seized at the international border and won’t be released into the Australian market.

And with that, let’s get into it!