News

From the first pay period on or after 1 July, minimum wages will increase by 2.9%.

This increase applies to minimum wages for juniors, trainees, apprentices, employees with a disability and to piece rates as well as adults. For employees who aren’t covered by an award or agreement, the new national minimum wage will be $606.40 per week, or $15.96 per hour.

Please note that the final rates of pay aren’t available until Fair Work Australia issue final orders. Sign up to get an email when your new minimum wages are available.

To make sure you’re ready, first of all you’ll need to find out if the decision affects your entitlements. Then you can make sure you’re getting paid your new wage from the first pay period on or after 1 July.

How can employees get ready for 1 July?

1. Know how to find your current minimum wage - PayCheck Plus can help you find your minimum wages. To find your minimum wages you’ll need to:
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   • know your status (whether you’re full-time, part-time or casual)
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   • select your modern award and classification
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   • select your pre-modern award and classification (what would have applied before 1 January 2010)
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   • know whether your workplace employed staff before 27 March 2006 (there are different rules that apply depending on when the business started employing people. If you’re not sure, you can check the registration of the business at www.abr.business.gov.au

   You can watch the PayCheck Plus video for help. Make sure you find out your current minimum wages before 1 July, so that you can check your new minimum wages as soon as they’re available.

2. Check that your employer knows about the changes - Ask your employer whether they know about the 2012 Annual Wage Review and that there are new minimum wages from 1 July.
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3. Tell your employer about the Fairwork website - Tell your employer about the Fairwork website (www.fairwork.gov.au), where they can sign up for updates and find information about your entitlements and what they need to do.
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4. Keep up to date with changes in your award - Make sure you've signed up for email updates about the 2012 Annual Wage Review. If you select the modern award you’re covered by, we’ll send you an email when your 1 July minimum wages are available in our wages tools. (If you don’t select your award we’ll let you know when all the tools are up to date.)
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5. Check your pay slip on the first pay period on or after 1 July - The new minimum wage starts on the first day of your first pay period on or after 1 July. So if your pay week is Monday to Sunday, then you’re entitled to the new minimum wages from Monday, 2 July. When you’re paid, check your payslip to make sure you’re being paid your minimum entitlements.