Theguardian iconTheguardianAug 19, 2026

Australia’s drop in real wages is a disaster. But the profits of major corporations are doing just fine | Grogonomics

Wages are not growing out of control and the labour market is not 'tight' Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast Excuse me while I sadly cross off another three months on my "waiting for a wages breakout" calendar. Before I get to the wages figures, may I pause to note that this month NAB reported a 5% increase in its profits compared with last year, CBA reported a 7% increase in its cash profit, BHP reported annual profit growth of 9% and Rio Tinto recorded a 47% profit increase in the first half of this year.

Australia’s drop in real wages is a disaster. But the profits of major corporations are doing just fine | Grogonomics

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Wages are not growing out of control and the labour market is not 'tight' Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast Excuse me while I...

Before I get to the wages figures, may I pause to note that this month NAB reported a 5% increase in its profits compared with last year, CBA reported a 7% increase in its cash profit, BHP reported annual...

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Wages are not growing out of control and the labour market is not 'tight' Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast Excuse me while I sadly cross off another three months on my "waiting for a wages breakout" calendar. Before I get to the wages figures, may I pause to note that this month NAB reported a 5% increase in its profits compared with last year, CBA reported a 7% increase in its cash profit, BHP reported annual profit growth of 9% and Rio Tinto recorded a 47% profit increase in the first half of this year.

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  • Wages are not growing out of control and the labour market is not 'tight' Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast Excuse me while I...

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Before I get to the wages figures, may I pause to note that this month NAB reported a 5% increase in its profits compared with last year, CBA reported a 7% increase in its cash profit, BHP reported annual profit growth of 9% and Rio Tinto recorded a 47% profit increase in the first half of this year.

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