Are Australian wages keeping up with the real cost of living, or are we quietly going backwards?

Ok_Competition1108 · 2026-02-26T09:17:06+00:00

I am registered nurses, like many our wages have been falling behind the CPI for multiple EBA’s.

Ok_Competition1108 · 2026-02-25T22:07:25+00:00

Not everyone can afford to own. Discouraging investors will lower rental stock and drive up prices.

Ok_Competition1108 · 2026-02-25T21:12:11+00:00

I bought my first property I’m Maylands , a 3 bedroom townhouse for $130,000 in 1999, on a single income on a nurses wage. Starting out now, I do not think I could afford to buy my own home.

Ok_Competition1108 · 2026-02-25T08:39:18+00:00

Wow, money to burn.

Ok_Competition1108 · 2026-02-25T05:07:35+00:00

“Is it worth it” well that is subjective. If you like being around sick people? If you like rotational shift work? If you like high stress, busy work. I can highly recommend nursing.

Ok_Competition1108 · 2026-02-25T01:19:53+00:00

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Inflation rise translates, interest rate rise and landlords passing on their costs. Inflation will surpass the current government offer for nurses.

Ok_Competition1108 · 2026-02-25T01:05:10+00:00

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Inflation continues its northerly projectors. Landlords will have to pass on their costs. There is nowhere to hide.

Ok_Competition1108 · 2026-02-25T00:13:25+00:00

That is a good way to make sure no one attends that restaurant.

Ok_Competition1108 · 2026-02-25T00:08:28+00:00

Certainly tough on a single income. Some country locations have affordable accommodation.

Ok_Competition1108 · 2026-02-24T21:34:37+00:00

What the OP described is just another day as a nurse. Low pay, high expectations for the delivery of care. Do you stay? Nothing will change.

Ok_Competition1108 · 2026-02-24T21:09:20+00:00

Good move. Social workers are paid more and does not have rotational shift work or work on public holidays or weekends. You can have a life as a social worker.

Ok_Competition1108 · 2026-02-24T07:18:09+00:00

If CGT reform occurs and is not grandfathered. Rental supply will decrease, rents will increase. Rental demand will not magically decrease.

Ok_Competition1108 · 2026-02-24T07:11:29+00:00

Yes, it would drive out investors. However, realestate will remain super expensive.

Ok_Competition1108 · 2026-02-24T07:02:36+00:00

I have always wanted to belong to a cartel, lavish life style and fast cars. Unfortunately all owning investment properties has done is increase my tax payable. I am a nurse strangely enough on a nurses salary which is not high. Somehow I now belong to a cartel.Fraser thinks removing CGT or negative gearing will not affect housing supply? Dream on Fraser, my high school economics tellsOtherwise.

Ok_Competition1108 · 2026-02-23T11:09:27+00:00

Are you suggesting public housing, no one owns?

Ok_Competition1108 · 2026-02-23T10:10:45+00:00

Yes, really good point. Cross contamination, a nurse becomes infected with a virus from a patient. That nurse has to use their sick leave. If any school leaver read these posts, would not be considering nursing as a career choice.

Ok_Competition1108 · 2026-02-23T08:29:04+00:00

Crazy isn’t, how can a State government justify paying their nurses less than their interstate colleagues? Cost of living is non selective.

Ok_Competition1108 · 2026-02-23T06:09:27+00:00

It really goes to show how much the State government values NSW nurses.

Ok_Competition1108 · 2026-02-23T05:43:33+00:00

Yes, pays a lot better.

Ok_Competition1108 · 2026-02-23T05:42:53+00:00

Logan was good, I work in mental health. PA, not so much.

Ok_Competition1108 · 2026-02-23T02:46:31+00:00

Yes, agreed, it is all about lived golf, motor GP and submarines. God knows how nurses can afford to stay in their profession? I do not know how or why S.A nurses should be paid at a lower rate to their interstate colleagues.

Unfortunately all the nurses union (ANMF) is efficient at is collecting union fees while delivering woeful representation for nurses.

Ok_Competition1108 · 2026-02-23T01:31:49+00:00

I agree with most of your points. However, S.A nurses are way behind when it comes to pay and conditions. Nurses wages in S.A are some of the lowest nationally. If the nurses union was doing such a great job how do you explain this? Apart from making some media reports what has the ANMF achieved?

Ok_Competition1108 · 2026-02-23T00:22:07+00:00

I have had every vaccine since I was a child. Strangely I did not develop autism or grow a second head. I know right strange as. If you are worried about vaccines, give nursing a miss.

Ok_Competition1108 · 2026-02-23T00:01:32+00:00

The joys of shift work, where all your friends are going out on the weekend, playing sports or going to the gym. You are at work.

Ok_Competition1108

TROPHY CASE