Labor has promised to introduce a living wage while unions have demanded a higher minimum wage.

Labor is planning to amend the Fair Work Act to instruct the Fair Work Commission to look at what the living wage would be and how long it would take to reach it.

Minister for Small and Family Business Michaelia Cash tells Ross Greenwood “Bill Shorten is playing politics.”

Senator Cash says businesses have contacted her with worries they will have to start laying off staff.

“Under Labor, if this policy goes through, you won’t see a rise in wages, what you will see though is businesses close.

“It will ultimately cost jobs.”

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