Minimum Wage & Award Rates Increase from 1 July 2026

Most employees are covered by an award. Awards are legal documents that outline minimum pay rates and conditions of employment in an industry or occupation.

The Fairwork Commission has announced a 4.75% increase to minimum wages, provided that:

• the lowest rate in any award that applies to ongoing employment must be at least $1004.90 per week or $26.44 per hour
• This increase will apply from the first full pay period starting on or after 1 July 2026. This means the start date & finish date for the period must be in July ie pay period is 1.7 – 7.7.26, paid on 8.7.26
• if you’re covered by an enterprise agreement, the minimum wage increase may apply. This is because the base pay rate in an enterprise agreement can’t be less than the base pay rate in the relevant award.

To check out your specific award rates click here

It is wise to check other award entitlements such as allowances and deductions as these amounts may have also changed.

For those employees who aren’t covered by an award or enterprise agreement, from 1 July 2026, the National Minimum Wage will be:

• $1004.90 per week, or
• $26.44 per hour.

Super remains unchanged at 12%, but is now payable each week when your employees are paid. For further assistance please contact your account.

Finally, new tax scales apply for the payg withholding from employee pays.

These apply strictly for any payments paid on or after 1 July 2026. Most accounting systems will automatically pick up these changes but a census check to confirm this is wise.