The inaugural chairman of the Commission was Ian Harper and there were four commissioners: Hugh Armstrong, Patrick McClure, Mike O’Hagan, and Judith Sloan.
Critics argued that the board lacked independence and scope and that it reduced the benefits of workers, while supporters believed it helped to stimulate the economy and improve working conditions.
Traditionally, the Australian Industrial Relations Commission implemented wage and allowance rises from the first 'pay period commencing' from a set date.
The Commission took into account the time period between the inaugural and second wage decisions, and other factors including tax cuts announced in the budget that took effect from 1 July 2007.
Trade unions viewed the Commission as a conservative business-friendly organisation that threatened the basic rights, pay and entitlements of workers.
Unions viewed the Australian Industrial Relations Commission as independent and wished to retain it as the minimum wage setting body.