People Matters - with HR Central

The new FY is approaching – what you need to know

 

1.    Increase in National Minimum Wage

The Annual Wage Review decision by the Fair Work Commission was announced allowing for a 6% increase to Australia’s minimum wages effective 1 July 2026. This means that the new National Minimum Wage for full-time award free employees will increase to $1004.90 (or $26.44 per hour) with casual employees receiving an additional 25% loading on the new hourly rate of pay. 

For Award employees, minimum rates of pay will also be increased by 4.75%. As soon as Fair Work publishes the updated pay rates, HR Central will work with FTMA to deliver the information to you. This generally occurs prior and/or on 1 July.

If your business is already paying rates higher than the new applicable minimum wage, there is no need to increase the rates of pay. If, however, the new rates are more than you are currently paying your employees, you need to increase that rate from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026. Please note that Fair Work is not forgiving if an employer does not pay their employees at least the minimum rates of pay.

2.    Updated Fair Work Statements

Under the National Employment Standards, all new employees must receive a copy of the Fair Work Information Statement. The Fair Work Ombudsman has announced this will be updated on 1 July 2026.  Once this has been actioned, a copy of this document will be placed on the FTMA HR Portal, alongside updated copies of the Casual Employment Information Statement and Fixed Term Contract Information Statement.

3.    Pay Day Super

A reminder that from 1 July 2026, employers will be required to pay superannuation at the same time as wages, with contributions reaching employees’ super funds within seven calendar days of payday. 
Super will continue to be paid at 12%, but will be calculated on a standardised “qualifying earnings” base, which includes ordinary time earnings, commissions, certain allowances and bonuses, relevant contractor payments, and applicable salary sacrifice amounts.

For further information please see: Explaining qualifying earnings | Australian Taxation Office
Need help? 

If you have any further questions or need any help you can contact us by emailing hr@hrcentral.support, or by giving us a call at 1300 717 721 and one of our experienced HR team will be happy to assist you.

 

Upcoming webinar

 

Noting these significant changes, FTMA will be hosting a member's webinar on 29 June 2026 as a forum for discussion. Members, please check your inbox for registration details, sent direct form Kersten, or log into the Members Portal via the website, or Members App, and click the Events tab.