• Reminders

In May, the Fair Work Commission announced an increase to minimum award wages of 5.75 per cent, and an increase to the national minimum wage, as part of its annual wage review.

Most employees are covered by an award. The new national minimum wage of $882.80 per week or $23.23 per hour applies to employees who aren’t covered by an award or registered agreement.

The increases took effect from 1 July 2023, and must be included in the first full pay period starting on or after that date.

It is important for providers and hosts to understand these new rates, to ensure they comply with workplace laws and workers are paid correctly.

Providers who fail to comply with workplace laws risk licensing action up to and including cancellation.

The Fair Work Ombudsman has a pay calculator for employees and employers to help calculate base pay rates, allowances and penalty rates (including overtime).