In Australia, there are minimum wages that apply for all employees – including apprentices and trainees. These conditions can come from registered agreements, awards or legislation.
- If your employer has a registered agreement in place and it covers the work that you do, then the minimum pay and working conditions will be outlined in this agreement
- If there’s no registered agreement that applies but there is an award that covers the business and the work you do, then the minimum pay and working conditions will be outlined in the award
- Where there is no award or agreement, the minimum pay and working conditions will be taken from relevant legislation
In most cases, you will be covered by an award. Modern awards were created to establish one set of minimum conditions for employers and employees across Australia who work in the same industries or occupations.
Awards include:
- Base rates of pay, including piecework rates
- Types of employment (e.g. full-time, part-time, casual)
- Overtime and penalty rates
- Annualised wage or salary arrangements
- Allowances (e.g. travel allowances)
- Leave entitlements and leave loading
- Superannuation information
- Work arrangements (e.g. rosters, variations to working hours)
- Procedures for complaints, appeals or dispute settlements
- Requirements for outworkers or contractors
- An industry-specific redundancy scheme
How much should you be paid?
This depends on the agreement, award or legislation you’re covered by. If you’re not sure which one applies to you, the Fair Work Ombudsman’s Pay and Conditions Tool (PACT) is here to help.
By answering a few simple questions, you can find out:
- Which agreement, award or legislation covers you
- Your minimum pay rates and working conditions
- How much annual leave or sick/carer’s leave you have accumulated
Follow this link to access PACT or call Fair Work on 13 13 94.
Further entitlements and financial support
Depending on your agreement, award or legislation, you may be entitled to further financial entitlements.
Find out more about wage entitlements here.
© Fair Work Ombudsman www.fairwork.gov.au
