Fair Work Commission updates minimum wage entitlements

Putting the spotlight back on minimum wage entitlements, aged-care workers have secured wage increases of up to 28.5 per cent in a decision handed down by the Fair Work Commission (FWC) on Friday 15 March 2024.

The decision announced further wage increases for both direct and indirect employees working under the Aged Care Award 2010, the Nurses Award 2020 and the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010.

What does this mean for employees and employers? 

In Australia, all employees are entitled to a ‘minimum wage’, irrespective of the industry that they are working in. This is the lowest wage that an employer is legally required to pay their employees.

These entitlements are found in the National Minimum Wage or may be found in an employee’s Enterprise Agreement or Award. The entitlements are based on the employee’s working arrangement (for example, number of hours worked, the days worked and if they are full-time, part-time or casual) often making them difficult to navigate. Nevertheless, it is crucial that they are obliged with.

Do you know what your minimum wage entitlements are?

The recent FWC decision has sparked interest on minimum wage entitlements across all industries, as the underpayment of wages can lead to a range of serious legal issues for employees and employers. It is important to know that you are being paid correctly and if you are an employer that you are paying the correct entitlements to your employees.

If you are an employee or an employer and are unsure of the minimum wage entitlements that you are entitled to be paid or are required to pay, please contact Aaran Johnson or Bharath Balasubramanian from the Marsdens Employment Law team to discuss how we can assist.

The contents of this publication are for reference purposes only. This publication does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as legal advice. Specific legal advice should always be sought separately before taking any action based on this publication.