Australia's new workplace tribunal has lifted the federal minimum wage by a surprisingly large $26 a week. Fair Work Australia announced the change to the $544 minimum wage in Melbourne today, bringing it up to $570 a week. The large increase - which was $1 less than the Australian Council of Trade Unions claim - followed last year's decision to freeze the wages of 1.3 million low-paid workers. The decision was the first by Fair Work Australia's new minimum wage panel and will upset employers, who had wanted a much smaller increase. Fair Work Australia President Justice Geoffrey Giudice said there had been a significant decline in real wages since March 2008. "The forecast for 20010/11 is strong grounds to conclude that such an increase could be awarded without threatening business viability, employment growth or adding to inflation," he said.

SNAP PRINTING FRANCHISE

Ideally located on the fringe of the CBD. Exciting opportunity to be part of a respected and innovative National Network of 150 centres. Providing design, printing and marketing solutions within a business to business environment.- 5 Day trading- Skilled Staff- Award Winning National FranchisePriced at $450,000 plus stock and work in progress.For further details contact Doug Willats 08 8334 0677 or 0412 089 575

PET FOOD MANUFACTURING AND DISTRIBUTION

Established close to 20 years ago Consistantly profitable Business deals direct with public Opportunities to expand sales Low levels of owner hands-on management Able to be sold on Leasehold or Freehold basisLeasehold sale price $240,000 plus stockFor further details contact Brian Sander on 08 8334 0611 or 0418 823 248