Who the ACTU expects to pay for an $8 billion wages boost

The ACTU wants Labor to add $8 billion to the national wages bill, a move that would see roughly six million Australians earn $4000 a year more.

But Neil Mitchell says he can’t see Bill Shorten agreeing to it.

ACTU boss Sally McManus joined Neil Mitchell in studio on Tuesday.

She said there was a significant problem with wages and living standards were dropping as a result.

“I know that the Labor Party understands there’s a problem with wages, which is a first step,” Ms McManus said.

“Unlike Scott Morrison, who doesn’t think there’s a problem, or thinks we should wait for trickle down to happen which has failed entirely.”

But Neil Mitchell said it would be incredibly bold of Bill Shorten to risk putting employers off-side on the eve of an election he appears almost certain to win.

“I can’t see Bill Shorten agreeing to something that adds $8 billion to a wages bill on the eve of an election,” Neil said.

“He’s not that brave.”

The pair also clashed over the issue of negative gearing.

Click PLAY below to jump in the studio and watch their exchange

Click PLAY below to hear the full interview