Employers paid less in wages and salaries in April than March, the Australian Bureau of Statistics reported on 21 June. Total paid fell by AUD 1.6 billion (USD 1.08 billion), or 1.7%, in April to AUD 91.4 billion (USD 6.19 billion).

Western Australia recorded the largest decrease, down 3.7% in April from the previous month. The ABS noted mining industry cyclical bonuses were distributed in March, and the state has a high proportion of workers in that industry.

The mining industry overall recorded the highest decrease in wages across the country with a monthly decrease of 13.8%. Mining wages and salaries paid reached a peak in March thanks to cyclical bonuses. The industry with the second-largest decrease in wages and salaries paid by employers was rental, hiring and real estate services, down by 5.0%.

Some industries saw increases in wages and salaries, with accommodation and food services leading the way with a 2.1% increase.

And while Western Australia recorded the largest decrease in wages and salaries paid by employers, all states and the Australian Capital Territory also saw decreases. The Northern Territory posted the only increase with wages and salaries paid by employers there rising by 0.5% in April.

In New South Wales, the total was down by 1.8%.