Relief for minimum wage workers

FAMILY services worker Alison Barton plans to book a long-awaited trip to the dentist after Thursday's minimum wage increase.

Medical treatment is just one of the things Ms Barton has regularly put off because of the impact on her bank account.

But after Fair Work Australia's decision last month to approve a $26 weekly pay increase for minimum wage workers, a dental appointment is now looking more affordable.

"I haven't sought the treatment (before) because I'm struggling to figure out how I'll pay for it," Ms Barton told AAP.

She also hopes to start saving to buy a house.

Ms Barton is one of about 1.4 million low-paid workers set to benefit from the increase in the minimum hourly rate to $15.

Cleaners, hospitality staff and shop assistants are among those who will now take home $570 a week following the industrial ruling in June.

ACTU secretary Jeff Lawrence said the minimum wage increase coincided with increasing costs of living, including higher electricity and water prices.

"As a result of the decision of Fair Work Australia, there's some protection to low-paid workers," he said.

The June 3 decision by Fair Work Australia president Justice Geoffrey Guidice was just $1 less than the ACTU's claim.

It followed a controversial move last year by the Fair Pay Commission, set up by the Howard government, to freeze minimum wages.

Employer groups have attacked the wage increase, claiming it would threaten jobs and hurt small business.

Former nurse Ged Kearney took over as ACTU president on Thursday from Sharan Burrows, who has been appointed to head the International Trade Union Confederation in Brussels.