Minimum wage review
On 3 June, Fair Work Australia’s Wage Panel handed down its first annual wage review decision. The decisions of the panel are as follows:
- An increase of $26 per week ($0.69 per hour) to all modern award minimum weekly wages;
- An increase of $26 per week ($0.69 per hour) to the National Minimum Wage. The national minimum wage is now $569.90 per week ($15 per hour); and
- An increase in the casual loading for all award/agreement free employees to 21%.
The increase does not apply to Division 2B State awards, Common Rule Awards confined to Victoria and Supported Wage System employees (i.e., employees who qualify for a disability support pension whose work productivity is affected).
The Panel’s decisions follow submissions made by the Government, employer associations and unions with suggestions ranging between $12 to $27 per week. The $26 increase will no doubt be welcomed by employees given no movement in the minimum wages last year.
The decision was effective from 1 July 2010. If you require any advice regarding the review please contact us and we can refer you to an employment law specialist.