The rise approved by the tribunal will lift the minimum wage by $71.17 per week to $898.77 for full-time adult workers in the public service and local governments.

SA Unions pushed for the increase, with the tribunal also approving a 5.57 per cent boost for state awards and allowances.

The minimum pay rise will apply from and be backpaid to July 1 2023, with SA Unions saying the increase to awards and allowances will have “implications for much of the state public service”.

The decision only applies to those paid under the South Australian Fair Work Act. Wages for the private sector are largely governed by the Commonwealth Government’s Fair Work Act.

SA Unions secretary Dale Beasley said the increase would help ease cost-of-living pressures for many South Australians.

“In today’s challenging economic climate, South Australians are feeling the squeeze of rising costs on their everyday expenses; people are going without meals, avoiding using electricity,” he said.

“It’s time for us to recognise that fair wages aren’t just about making ends meet; they’re about preserving the dignity and well-being of our workforce, and the community as a whole.”

He added that higher wages would result in a stronger local economy.

“Low wages hold back family budgets and compound cost of living rises, but they also restrict spending in our economy,” Beasley said.

“Increasing wages is not only a moral imperative but also an economic necessity to support the local economy.

“The government’s position to support these sensible wage increase sends a strong signal, that they agree, we need to get wages moving again.”