The Fair Work Commission's 2026 Annual Wage Review (handed down early June 2026) raised modern award minimum wages by 4.75% and set the National Minimum Wage at $26.44 per hour ($1,004.90 per week), effective for the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026. The increase flows to around 21% of Australian employees on award or minimum rates.
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Award wages up 4.75%, national minimum wage now $26.44/hr from 1 July 2026
Why this matters for founders
Founders with staff on award or minimum rates must update payroll to the new rates from the first pay period after 1 July 2026 and budget for the ~4.75% wage lift; check the specific modern award covering each role via Fair Work's Pay Calculator.
Source: Coleman Greig Lawyers (2026 Annual Wage Review summary)
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