Working families will be thousands of dollars worse off over the next four years as wages fall behind the cost of living.
The Federal Government's May budget forecast wage growth would be outpaced by the cost of living over the next two years.
It will finally increase and reach the same level over the third and fourth years.
Families on average household incomes are likely to be down anywhere between $9,000 and $21,000.
A couple earning $170,000 will be $3,800 worse off this year, and $4,300 next year.
Australian working families are expected to become $21,000 worse off over the next four years as wages fall behind the cost of living (stock image)