National minimum wage increase
The National Minimum Wage applies to employees not covered by an award or registered agreement. From the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2022, the new National Minimum Wage for employees who are 21 years or over is $21.38 per hour, or $26.73 for casual employees.
Award minimum wages increase
Most employees are covered by an award. Awards are legal documents that outline the minimum pay rates and conditions of employment. If you’re not sure which award applies to you, use the Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO)’s Find my award.
Minimum award wages increase by 4.6%, which is subject to a minimum increase for adult award classifications of $40 per week and based on a 38-hour week for a full-time employee. This means minimum award wages:
- above $869.60 per week, get a 4.6% increase
- below $869.60 per week, get a $40 increase.
The award increases are happening in 2 stages. Most awards increased from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2022. For some awards in the aviation, hospitality and tourism industries, the increase will happen from 1 October 2022.
You can use the FWO’s Pay and Conditions Tool to check your new minimum rates, and find out more about the increase at Minimum wages increase from 1 July 2022.
Free FWO webinars
The FWO also regularly hosts free webinars for employers and employees on different topics. In July, the FWO will host the following webinars:
- Workplace basics for employees and jobseekers in a new financial year – including a guest speaker from the Australian taxation office (ATO) – 14 July 2022 @2:00pm – 3:00pm AEST
- Interpreting the Fair Work Information Statement and the Casual Employment Information Statement – 28 July 2022 @10:00am – 10:30am AEST
You are encouraged to register and attend these important information sessions.
Got a question or want to stay up to date with information about workplace laws?
You can find out more information about your workplace rights and entitlements at the FWO’s website www.fairwork.gov.au. To keep up to date or if you have a question, you can:
- Register with My account to make an online enquiry
- Subscribe to email updates
- Follow the FWO on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn
- Call the Fair Work Infoline on 13 13 94 or the free Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450.