**FAQ**
**Q: What is the Employee Selected Living Cost Index (SLCI)?**
A: The SLCI is a measure developed by the Australian Bureau of Statistics to reflect changes in the cost of living for specific groups of households in the Australian population. It aims to provide a more accurate representation of how cost-of-living changes affect different household types.

**Q: How did real wages in Australia perform in the June-quarter of 2024?**
A: In the June-quarter of 2024, nominal wages in Australia grew by 4.1 per cent. However, when considering the more accurate measure of cost-of-living changes using the SLCI, real wages fell by 2.1 per cent.

**Q: What is the significance of the gap between productivity growth and real wage growth in Australia?**
A: The gap between productivity growth and real wage growth indicates that workers are not benefiting from improvements in productivity, leading to a redistribution of national income from wages to profits. This trend has been ongoing in Australia for several years.

**Q: Why is it important to consider alternative cost-of-living measures like the SLCI instead of relying solely on the CPI?**
A: Using measures like the SLCI provides a more accurate reflection of how cost-of-living changes impact specific groups of households, such as employee households in Australia. It allows for a more nuanced understanding of the real purchasing power of wages and the financial challenges faced by different segments of the population.

**Q: How can workers address the decline in real wages and ongoing income redistribution trends in Australia?**
A: Workers and policymakers need to be aware of the disconnect between nominal wage growth, inflation rates, and productivity growth. Advocating for fair wages, policies that support workers, and addressing the systemic issues that perpetuate income inequality are crucial steps to address these challenges.

**Conclusion**
The latest Wage Price Index data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics highlights the ongoing challenges faced by workers in Australia. While nominal wages have shown some growth, the real wage gains are modest when considering the actual cost-of-living changes. The gap between productivity growth and real wage growth points to a larger trend of income redistribution from wages to profits. It is imperative for policymakers and stakeholders to address these issues to ensure fair compensation and financial security for workers in Australia.