What is the minimum wage in Australia?
The national minimum wage in Australia is $23.23 per hour, or $882.80 per 38-hour week, effective from July 1, 2023. This rate is set annually by the Fair Work Commission.
Was this helpful?
9 readers found this helpful
How it works in practice
National Minimum Wage in Australia
The national minimum wage in Australia is the lowest hourly rate an employer can legally pay. As of July 1, 2023, this rate is $23.23 per hour, equating to $882.80 for a 38-hour week for full-time employees. This benchmark is established each year by the Fair Work Commission through its Annual Wage Review.
Applicability and Modern Awards
This national minimum wage primarily applies to employees who are not covered by a modern award or an enterprise agreement. However, the majority of Australian workers are covered by modern awards, which are industry or occupation-based documents that outline specific minimum pay rates, conditions, allowances, and penalty rates. These modern award rates are often higher than the national minimum wage.
Important exceptions
Junior employees, apprentices, trainees, or employees with disabilities may be paid different minimum rates based on specific legal frameworks. The national minimum wage does not include superannuation contributions, which employers are legally obligated to pay separately for eligible employees. For most workers, modern awards or enterprise agreements will provide higher minimum pay rates and additional entitlements.
What you should do now
-
Identify your employment coverage: Determine if your role is covered by a modern award or enterprise agreement, as these often specify higher minimum rates.
-
Check the current national minimum wage: Verify the latest national minimum wage rate from the Fair Work Ombudsman website.
-
Calculate your entitlements: Use the Fair Work Ombudsman's Pay and Conditions Tool to determine your correct minimum pay, including any penalty rates or allowances.
-
Discuss with your employer: If you believe you are being underpaid, raise the issue politely with your employer, providing evidence of your correct entitlements.
-
Contact the Fair Work Ombudsman: If your employer does not resolve the issue, contact the Fair Work Ombudsman for free advice, assistance, or to lodge a formal complaint.
Expert Notes
No expert notes have been added to this question yet.
People also asked
Explore highly relevant questions and get instant verified short answers.