30 June 2017
A new national minimum wage comes into effect from the first pay period on or after tomorrow, 1 July 2017.
From this date, the national minimum wage will increase to $18.29 per hour or $694.90 per week. The base rates of pay in modern awards will also increase.
This follows the Fair Work Commission’s announcement of a 3.3 per cent increase to the minimum wage earlier this month.
Employers should check the new wage rates that apply to their businesses to ensure that they are compliant with their workplace obligations.
It is important that employers act immediately to pass on the new wage rates to their employees from the first pay period after 1 July and ensure that their workers are receiving their lawful entitlements.
Employers also need to ensure they pass on changes to penalty rates affecting the Hospitality, Pharmacy, Fast Food, Retail and Restaurant industries, as determined by the Fair Work Commission. These also come into effect from 1 July, 2017.