If you are on the minimum wage, then get ready to celebrate with the extra $32 per week the Fair Work Commission (FWC) has just awarded you.
It’s hard to argue that the new minimum hourly rate of $24.95 will make a meaningful difference, but the Fair Work Commission gave it a crack.
The 3.5 per cent above-inflation increase to the minimum wage was necessary, they said, to avoid ‘entrenched’ lower living standards among the millions of Australia’s lowest-paid workers.
It could be argued quite easily that lower living standards have been entrenched since the term ‘living standards’ was invented.
What about Byron?
Byron Shire’s average income is already below that of both regional NSW and the state overall, and the local economy is concentrated in lower-paid industries.
Approximately 28.3 per cent of people in Byron Shire earned a low income in 2021, according to www.profile.id.com.au. Low incomes are defined as less than $500 per week.
Perhaps Byron still has appeal with all its surf and mull and sex and fun?
Regardless, imagine, like John Lennon did before being shot, that society didn’t allow poverty to exist. And by poverty let’s include the working poor.
There have been small little glimpses into that utopia.
When Covid was in full flight, the government paid everyone a living wage. That was everyone except artists, musicians and academics, a decision that was very on-brand from mean Coalition governments.
Universal Basic Income? It’s the best thing that could ever happen.
And during Covid, cities like New York and states like California relocated tens of thousands of homeless individuals from shelters into hotels. There are ample studies to support that this approach leads to improvements in physical health, sleep, hygiene, privacy, safety, nutrition, and overall wellbeing.
Business Insider reported that a 2017 study by the National Alliance to End Homelessness found the taxpayer cost of supporting homelessness (for public services from shelters to hospitals) can range anywhere from $35,000 to $96,000 a year, per person. If those people are housed, that cost drops to between $18,000 and $34,000.
Money can make you happy. It’s easier to cry into the steering wheel of a Mercedes Benz than be miserable sitting on a bicycle.
The happiness difference between a low income earner and a middle-low income earner is considerable, just as it is between an average earner and someone with a high net worth.
But if you are wealthy with millions, then having billions does not necessarily make you any happier.
It’s a finding by philosopher Peter Singer, who has extensively explored the relationship between wealth, happiness, and moral responsibility, particularly through the lens of utilitarian ethics and effective altruism. His work suggests that true happiness is less about accumulating wealth, and more about using resources to do good.
The wealthiest Australian (by far) is miner Gina Rinehart, who is worth $29 billion.
Tax the uber wealthy! The working poor will become happier and Gina’s happiness will remain the same.
Hans Lovejoy, editor
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
