21 Mar 2013

Starting-out wage bill passes final reading

7:54 pm on 21 March 2013

A bill introducing a starting-out wage for young people has narrowly passed its third and final reading in Parliament.

From May, 16- and 17-year-olds will be paid 80% of the minimum wage, or $11 an hour, in their first six months of work with a new employer.

The starting-out wage will also apply to 18- and 19-year-olds entering the workforce after more than six months on a benefit and to 16-to-19-year-olds in industry training courses.

The legislation was supported by 61-votes to 60.