The minimum wage in Australia varies depending on the state or territory you are in and the industry you work in. As of December 13, 2022, the national minimum wage in Australia is AUD $18.29 per hour, or AUD $719.20 per 38-hour work week. However, some workers, such as those in the hospitality and retail industries, may be entitled to a higher minimum wage. It’s best to check with the Fair Work Commission, which sets the minimum wages in Australia, to find out the exact minimum wage that applies to your situation.
What is the minimum wage in Australia?
The minimum wage in Australia is the lowest amount per hour that an employee can legally be paid. The national minimum wage in Australia is currently AUD $18.29 per hour, or AUD $719.20 per 38-hour work week. This rate applies to all workers who are covered by the national minimum wage, including full-time, part-time, casual, and apprentice workers.
However, some workers may be entitled to a higher minimum wage, depending on the state or territory they are in, the industry they work in, and their level of experience. For example, workers in the hospitality and retail industries may be entitled to a higher minimum wage.
The Fair Work Commission is responsible for setting the minimum wages in Australia. The Commission reviews the minimum wage each year and makes any necessary adjustments based on factors such as the cost of living and the state of the economy.
Here are some frequently asked questions about the minimum wage in Australia:
- Is the minimum wage in Australia the same for all workers?
No, the minimum wage in Australia varies depending on the state or territory you are in and the industry you work in. Some workers may be entitled to a higher minimum wage than the national minimum wage. It’s best to check with the Fair Work Commission to find out the exact minimum wage that applies to your situation.
- Can an employer pay me less than the minimum wage?
No, it is illegal for an employer to pay an employee less than the minimum wage. If you believe your employer is not paying you the correct minimum wage, you can contact the Fair Work Ombudsman for help.
- Is the minimum wage in Australia enough to live on?
The minimum wage in Australia is intended to provide workers with a fair and reasonable standard of living. However, the cost of living in Australia varies depending on where you live and your personal circumstances. Some people may find it difficult to live on the minimum wage, particularly if they have high expenses or are supporting a family.
- Can an employer pay me in cash and not pay me the minimum wage?
No, it is illegal for an employer to pay an employee in cash without paying the minimum wage. All workers in Australia are entitled to the minimum wage, regardless of whether they are paid in cash or by other means.
Is annual leave paid in Australia?
In Australia, annual leave is paid leave that employees are entitled to take each year. This means that when employees take annual leave, they are entitled to be paid their normal wages for the hours they would have worked. The amount of annual leave an employee is entitled to depends on the number of years they have worked for their employer, and is set out in the National Employment Standards and the relevant industrial award or agreement that applies to their employment.
What is minimum wage in NSW?
The minimum wage in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, is currently $740.80 per week, or $19.84 per hour. This means that employers in NSW are required to pay their employees at least this amount for each hour of work they perform. The minimum wage in NSW is reviewed each year by the Fair Work Commission, which takes into account a range of factors, including the cost of living and the state of the economy, when determining the new minimum wage. The minimum wage in NSW applies to most employees in the state, although some employees, such as those who are working as part of a registered training agreement or those who are under the age of 21, may be entitled to a lower minimum wage.
NSW leave entitlements
In New South Wales (NSW), Australia, employees are entitled to a range of leave entitlements, including annual leave, sick leave, and carer’s leave. The amount of leave an employee is entitled to depends on the type of leave and the number of years they have worked for their employer. For example, an employee who has worked for their employer for less than 12 months is entitled to four weeks of annual leave, while an employee who has worked for their employer for more than 12 months is entitled to five weeks of annual leave. These entitlements are set out in the National Employment Standards and the relevant industrial award or agreement that applies to their employment. Additionally, employees in NSW may be entitled to other types of leave, such as compassionate leave, parental leave, and community service leave.
