The Minister said that the last two years of the COVID-19 pandemic have really demonstrated to us why fair pay agreements are so important—like we have seen in the public transport sector, for example, where the operating model has resulted in worse terms and conditions for bus drivers. The Minister said that the case has been built that good minimum standards are needed for our low paid workers, such as our security guards, supermarket workers, and our cleaners. Budget 2021 gave MBIE and the Employment Relations Authority $3.7 million over five years to deliver the fair pay agreements system. Budget 2022 supplements this with two appropriations over four years, totalling $21.5 million. 