2.5% increase to minimum wages
Jul 12, 2021
Most employees are covered by an award. If you’re not sure which award applies, use the Fair Work Ombudsman’s Find my award tool. If you’re covered by a registered agreement, you should check it to see whether this increase affects you.The new national minimum wage for employees who are 21 years or over is $20.33 per hour or $25.41 for casual employees.
When will the increases apply?
The increase to the national minimum wage and most awards, including the Fast Food Award applied from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2021. The increase for the Retail Award will apply from the first full pay period on or after 1 September 2021.
21 awards will increase from the first full pay period on or after 1 November 2021. Many are in the food services sector such as the:
- Hospitality Award
- Registered Clubs Award
- Restaurant Award
The Fair Work Ombudsman’s Pay and Conditions Tool or the downloadable Pay Guides can help you find the applicable rates. More information about the Annual Wage Review 2021 is available on the Fair Work Ombudsman’s website.
Fair Work Information Statement and Casual Employment Information Statement
Employers have to give every employee a copy of the Fair Work Information Statement before, or as soon as possible after, they start their new job. Employers also have to give every new casual employee a copy of the Casual Employment Information Statement at the same time. Please visit www.fairwork.gov.au/reforms for more information.
Got a question or want to stay up to date with changes to workplace laws?
To contact the Fair Work Ombudsman or get important news about pay rates and conditions you can:
- subscribe here to get email updates from the Fair Work Ombudsman
- register with My account to get updates that are tailored to you or to contact the Fair Work Ombudsman online
- follow the Fair Work Ombudsman on Twitter or Facebook
- check the Fair Work Ombudsman’s website
- call the Fair Work Infoline on 13 13 94. You can also contact them via the free translating and interpreting service on 13 14 50.