Australian Wages Rising from 1 July 2020
The decision was fractionally delayed this year by the Commission due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.
The Commission has decided to increase the National Minimum wage, together with all Modern Award minimum rates of pay by 1.75% to $19.84 per hour (or $13 per week). While they have acknowledged a difficult macroeconomic circumstance at the current time, the Commission has determined that a 1.75% increase was justified and necessary.
Due to the current economic conditions, the effective dates for these changes will depend on which Modern Award is applicable:
- GROUP 1: The first group of changes will include essential services and be effective 1 July 2020. This includes Health Care, Social Assistance Workers, Teachers and Child Care Workers, and other essential services.
- GROUP 2: The second group will be effective on 1 November 2020 and will include Construction, Manufacturing and some other industries.
- GROUP 3: Last third group will be the remaining industry sectors and the increase will be effective from 3 February 2021. This group includes Accommodation and Food Services, Arts, Recreation, Aviation, Retail and Tourism.