Management Article: The One Habit Every Great Manager Builds First — And Why It Matters More Than Ever
Minimum Wage Set to Rise from July 1
- The WA Industrial Relations Commission (WAIRC) has announced a $36 weekly increase to the state’s minimum wage, lifting it from $917.80 to $953—a 3.75% rise—effective 1 July 2025. This impacts around 300,000 workers, offering relief amid ongoing cost-of-living pressures.
- WAIRC cited inflation and rising costs in essentials like food and housing as key drivers. The decision outpaces the national minimum wage increase of 3.5% to $948.
- Unions WA pushed for 4.5%, citing worsening affordability but the State Government backed a minimum 3.5% rise, whilst business groups warned the rise exceeds inflation and may pressure jobs.
Q3 2025 Australia Employment Outlook – Manpower Highlights
- Net Employment Outlook (NEO): +21% (↑ 4pts from Q2, ↑ 9pts YoY)
- Top hiring sectors – Information Technology (+34%) – Financials & Real Estate (+25%) – Energy & Utilities (+24%)
- Strongest regions: Tasmania (+28%) – South Australia & Queensland (each +25%)
- Most optimistic employers: Small businesses (10–49 employees, +29%)
- Global rank: Australia 26th out of 41 countries
- Global average NEO: +24%; U.A.E. leads at +48%
AI & HR Snapshot
- AI adoption is growing across Australian HR functions—62% of companies are using or exploring it.
- Key current uses: CV screening, candidate matching, onboarding automation, and workforce analytics.
- Benefits: Reduces bias, improves hiring accuracy, enhances employee experience, and frees up HR time.
- Predictive analytics are helping identify turnover risks, skills gaps, and engagement trends early.
- Future impact: AI will drive personalised learning, real-time sentiment analysis, and adaptive work models.
- Generative AI is expected to transform HR from process-focused to experience-led.
- Risks to manage: Data privacy, algorithmic bias, and ethical use of employee data.
- New HR responsibilities: AI governance, digital literacy, and responsible implementation.
