Gradual pick-up
It's a steady improvement for wages growth, then, with growth moving up to +2.3 per cent, the highest level in 3½ years.
Public sector wages growth of +2.47 per cent is still tracking better than the private sector at +2.14 per cent, mind you...although that gap has narrowed just a tad.
The picture including bonuses was a shade brighter, with private sector wages including bonuses up by +2.8 per cent.
As anticipated, the recovery is being led by Victoria, with wages growth now up by +2½ per cent, while New South Wales wasn't too far behind at +2.4 per cent, and Tasmania did a little better still at +2.6 per cent.
The resources jurisdictions are still dragging for now, however I do expect this is also set to change.
The strongest gains were seen in the healthcare and social assistance sector at +2.8 per cent, with mining and retail trade still the laggards at +1.8 per cent (although this is now turning around for the mining industry).
The wrap
Overall, it's been a long, slow haul for wages growth, but things are on the way back up from their nadir for Aussie pay packets.
Key word: gradually.
