“4.75% Minimum Wage Increase for Australian Workers” – Fair Work Commission
Canberra, 2 June 2026 – The Fair Work Commission (FWC) has announced its 2026 Annual Wage Review decision, granting a 4.75 per cent increase to minimum award wages and lifting the National Minimum Wage to $1,004.90 per week or $26.44 per hour.
The new wage rates will apply from the first full pay period starting on or after 1 July 2026 and are expected to benefit millions of workers across Australia.
Under the decision, the lowest rate in any modern award applying to ongoing employment must be at least $1,004.90 per week or $26.44 per hour. Entry-level rates that apply during the first six months (or less) of employment must be no lower than $978.10 per week or $25.74 per hour.
The Fair Work Commission said the increase aims to support low-paid workers facing ongoing cost-of-living pressures while balancing the needs of businesses and the broader economy.
The Fair Work Ombudsman is currently updating its pay calculators, award information and online tools to reflect the new rates. Employers and employees are encouraged to review the updated pay guides once they become available.
According to the Fair Work Commission, the increase will take effect automatically for employees covered by the National Minimum Wage and modern awards from the applicable pay period in July.
Workers and employers can subscribe to updates through the Fair Work Ombudsman website to receive notification when the new pay rates and tools are published.
: Fair Work Commission Annual Wage Review 2026 Decision and Fair Work Ombudsman.
Source Link: Fair Work Ombudsman – Annual Wage Review 2026
