Annual minimum wage rise to be announced

Australia's lowest paid workers are about to find out their next pay rise.

The Fair Work Commission will hand down its annual minimum wage decision at 11am on Thursday, affecting about 2.3 million workers from July 1.

The national minimum wage currently stands at $719.20 a week, after a 3.5 per cent or $24.30 per week increase last year.

Peak union body the ACTU has called for a six per cent increase this year, equating to a $43.15 per week rise in the minimum wage.

ACTU president Michele O'Neil told the commission the rise is within a band of increases that do not constitute a threat to economic growth.

Business groups argued a six per cent hike would destroy jobs and threaten economic growth.

The Australian Industry Group called for a rise of two per cent or about $14.40 a week, while the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry asked that the increase not exceed 1.8 per cent.