The Fair Work Commission has announced a 3.5% increase in Australia’s minimum wage, effective from July, resulting in a raise to $24.95 per hour or $948 weekly for the nation’s lowest-performing employees.
The previous year witnessed a 3.75% increase.
Approximately 3 million employees whose wages are determined by awards will be directly affected by this yearly adjustment, although fewer than 100,000 Australians are currently receiving the minimum wage.
The resolution falls within the range proposed by both the peak union organization and business lobbies and is in line with the government’s stance against reducing workers’ wages.
The Consumer Price Index had an increase of 2.4% from the year ending March, with the Reserve Bank forecasting a dip to 2.1% by June but an uptick to 3.1% by mid-2026, in part due to the cessation of government assistance with the cost of living expenses.
The Australian Council of Trade Unions pushed for a 4.5% raise, while business syndicates pressed for a rise of about 2.5% or less, citing the difficulty of companies dealing with significant operational cost hikes.
The Restaurant and Café Association, representing an industry with a substantial number of awardee employees, recommended a maximum wage increase of 2% this year.
Details to be provided
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/jun/03/minimum-wage-australia-pay-rise
