The national minimum wage will increase to $719.20 per week (or $18.93 per hour). The weekly rate is based on a 38 hour week for a full-time employee. This constitutes an increase of $24.30 per week, or 64 cents an hour.
Additionally, minimum wages in all modern awards will increase by 3.5% from the first full pay period starting on or after 1 July 2018. Employers should check the updated wage rates in the applicable modern award.
The 3.5% increase will also apply to:
- junior employees;
- employees to whom training arrangements apply; and
- employees with a disability.
Employers should also check if there are other additional costs in any piece rates or allowances that use the base rate of pay in the modern award for calculation.
Information about the minimum wage increases is available from: https://www.fwc.gov.au/documents/sites/wagereview2018/decisions/2018fwcfb3500.pdf or https://www.fwc.gov.au/awards-agreements/minimum-wages-conditions/annual-wage-reviews/annual-wage-review-2017-18
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This publication is for information only and is not legal advice. You should obtain advice that is specific to your circumstances and not rely on this publication as legal advice. If there are any issues you would like us to advise you on arising from this publication, please contact Cooper Grace Ward Lawyers.