In Australia, the primary legal framework for staff salaries and entitlements involves minimum wage and award requirements. Most employees are covered by a modern award or a registered agreement, which outlines their minimum pay rates and conditions. The Fair Work Ombudsman provides resources to help employers determine which award applies to their employees.
National Minimum Wage (as at April 2025):
The National Minimum Wage is the legal minimum pay rate for employees not covered by an award or agreement, currently set at $24.10 per hour or $915.90 per week according to the Fair Work Ombudsman.
Awards:
Modern awards are legal documents that set out the minimum pay rates and conditions of employment for specific industries and occupations. There are over 100 awards covering most Australian workplaces.
Registered Agreements:
Enterprise agreements are collectively bargained agreements between employers and employees, setting out pay and conditions.
Finding the Correct Award:
Employers can use the Fair Work Ombudsman’s award finder tool to identify the appropriate award for their employees based on their industry and the nature of their work.
Award Classification:
Employees are classified within an award, and their minimum pay rate is determined by their classification. Employers must correctly classify their employees to ensure compliance.
Other Entitlements:
In addition to minimum wages, awards and agreements often include other entitlements such as leave, working hours, and penalty rates.
National Employment Standards (NES):
The NES provides minimum standards for all employees, including leave, maximum weekly hours, and notice of termination.