I know plenty of labourers who are lucky to take home much more than $15 per hour.
Tashas quote of $18 odd per hour before tax sounds about right for an inexperienced Labourer.
Wow, wages are getting so, so low for hard work! DH has done brickies labouring before, but not for a few years. I just can't believe the hourly rate some companies are offering. I just saw a MR truck driver with forklift offering $20 an hour CASUAL. I work in hospitality and take home $23.50 an hour and my job is not hard at all. No wonder people can't make ends meet these days. It's really sad