02/06/2026
📣 2026 Annual Wage Review — What Employers Need to Know
The Fair Work Commission has handed down its Annual Wage Review decision, and here's what it means for your business from 1 July 2026:
✅ Modern award minimum wages increase by 4.75%
✅ National Minimum Wage rises to $1,004.90 per week ($26.44/hour)
✅ The lowest-paid award classifications get an additional structural boost — the new floor for ongoing employment is $1,004.90/week, with entry-level rates (first 6 months) no lower than $978.10/week
These changes apply from the first full pay period starting on or after 1 July 2026 — not necessarily 1 July itself, so check where your pay cycle falls.
https://www.fwc.gov.au/documents/resources/2026fwcfb3500.pdf
If you employ award-covered staff, now is the time to:
🔹 Confirm which awards and classifications apply to your team
🔹 Update your payroll and employment records
🔹 Review any salaries set to "absorb" award entitlements to make sure they still pass
Not sure where to start? That's exactly what we do. Get in touch with Fresh HR Insights, and we'll make sure you're ready, compliant and stress-free before 1 July.
www.freshhrinsights.com.au