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Industry groups and unions continue to be at odds on how much the minimum wage should increase, following a federal government's submission to the Fair Work Commission.
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," the submission said.
"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."
While the submission did not say how much the minimum wage should rise beyond its current level, the consumer price index has risen to 5.1 per cent. That's 2.7 percentage points higher than wages growth.
Unions welcomed the submission from the government.
"It is a huge shift to have a government that accepts that there is a problem with wage growth in this country and is willing to do something about it," Australian Council of Trade Unions secretary Sally McManus said.
"Workers' share of national income is at a record low right now while productivity is strong and profits are at record highs - we urgently need wage growth for working people and this is a great first step."
The ACTU had previously called for a 5.5 per cent rise in the minimum wage, above current inflation levels.
However, the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry said in its updated submission to the Fair Work Commission a three per cent rise would be reasonable.
"This gets the balance right, taking into account the full range of risks and uncertainties facing the Australian economy, workers and businesses," the submission said.
"If the wage increase exceeds the moderate levels that balance what businesses can afford and community expectations, jobs and businesses will be lost."
The Australian Industry Group warned against the large increase proposed by the unions in its updated submission.
"The ACTU has proposed a wage increase of 5.5 per cent. Such an increase would add substantially to the risks of entrenching inflation and greater increases in interest rates," the submission said.
The commission is expected to announce its decision by the end of the month.
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Police are appealing for information following a reported child approach north of Wollongong.
About 8.30am on Saturday, an 11-year-old girl was walking along the bicycle pathway near the intersection of Trinity Row and Park Road, Bulli, when a man approached and spoke to the girl.
A woman intervened and the man ran west along Park Road.
The incident was reported to officers from Wollongong Police District who have commenced an investigation.
As inquiries continue, police would like to speak with the man who maybe able to assist them.
He is described as Caucasian appearance, in his 50’s about 170cm tall, olive skin, hazel eyes, dark brown hair and greying beard.
The man was wearing a black jumper, black pants with white writing near the ankle and black Nike joggers.
Police are also appealing for the woman to contact officers.
Police are urging anyone with information or who has dashcam footage from the area at the time of the incident, to come forward and contact Wollongong Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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A man missing from the Illawarra-Shoalhaven region has been located safe and well.
The 22-year-old man was last seen near Wollongong Train Station about 10.00am on Thursday 26 this week.
When he failed to arrive at an address in Nowra, he was reported missing to officers attached to South Coast Police District, who commenced inquiries to locate him.
Following extensive inquiries into his whereabouts and an online media appeal, the man was located at Nowra about 2.30pm yesterday.
Police would like to thank the media and the community for their assistance.
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