Australian Wages Continue Falling Behind Inflation

Australia's Bureau of Statistics on February 18 released December-quarter 2025 Wage Price Index showing nominal wages rose 3.4% year-on-year, below 3.8% inflation, leaving real wages at a 15-year low. The Reserve Bank forecasts further real-wage cuts through mid-2027 while major corporations report rising profits and widespread job cuts. The data underscores mounting cost-of-living pressures, particularly housing, and fuels debate over policy and unions.