Hon Trevor Mallard: Why was the recommended option in the Minister's first Cabinet committee paper for a nil increase? Hon KATE WILKINSON: Several options were recommended to Cabinet. Cabinet decided that $12.50 was the fair minimum wage to set, bearing in mind the economic conditions and that protecting jobs was our priority. Michael Woodhouse: What reports has the Minister seen on the minimum wage? Hon KATE WILKINSON: I have seen several reports, including one from Mr Mallard himself, who said he could not commit to a large increase in the minimum wage due to the economic conditions in October last year"”conditions that we know have since worsened. I have seen a report from Phil Goff demanding a rise to $13. I have seen the Labour Party's election manifesto, which promotes an increase to $12.65. Yet Labour members' own colleague, Darien Fenton, has gone on to describe today's increase as miserable and measly. I ask where the Opposition actually stands on the minimum wage.
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