LABOUR COSTS
The Australian manufacturing industry paid $51.0b in wages and salaries in 2005-06, 5% higher than in 2004-05.
Total wages and salaries paid rose, in current price terms, in eight of the nine manufacturing industry subdivisions between 2004-05 and 2005-06. Recording a decline of 5%, Textile, clothing, footwear and leather manufacturing was the exception.
The manufacturing industry subdivision showing the largest percentage and absolute increase in wages and salaries in 2005-06 was Machinery and equipment manufacturing (up 8%, or $0.9b, to $12.1b).
The industry group, of those available for publication, which paid the most in wages and salaries was Motor vehicle and part manufacturing (ANZSIC group 281), with $3.7b or 7% of total manufacturing. Industrial machinery and equipment manufacturing (ANZSIC group 286), which paid $3.0b (or 6%), ranked second.
WAGES AND SALARIES PER PERSON EMPLOYED AT END OF JUNE, 2004-05 and 2005-06
Wages and salaries represented 85% of the $60.2b in total labour costs paid by Australian manufacturing in 2005-06. The proportion was slightly higher in
Printing, publishing and recorded media (87%).
Food, beverage and tobacco manufacturing incurred the highest workers' compensation premiums/costs during the year, of $373m, followed by
Machinery and equipment manufacturing, at $351m.