Election 2022: Anthony Albanese backs 5.1% minimum wage rise to keep pace with inflation

Labor leader says he absolutely' supports increase, after earlier declining to commit to figure pushed by unions

• Guardian Australia's full federal election coverage
• Perrottet refuses to join Morrison in condemning Labor's housing policy
• Get our free news app; get our morning email briefing

Anthony Albanese has endorsed a minimum wage rise of at least 5.1% to keep up with inflation.

The Labor leader made the call at a press conference in Melbourne on Tuesday, after earlier equivocating over a union push for a 5.5% increase in the Fair Work Commission's annual minimum wage review.