The Fair Work Commission has issued the new wage guidelines in relation to the minimum wages that are payable to employees. In most cases an employee can only be paid below the National Minimum Wage for a limited period of time. This varies from award to award.

The following awards are affected from 1 January, 2025:

a. Wine Industry Award 2020

A new classification level has been created being Level 1 (after 6 months of employment).

The new wages schedule has been posted in the Members Only Section of the website.

b. Vehicle Repair, Services and Retail Award 2020

This award covers agricultural machinery salespersons, motor mechanics and diesel mechanics. After 3 months employment at Level 1 R1, they move to Level 2 R2.

c. Food, Beverage and Tobacco Manufacturing Award 2020

An employee moves to Level 2 after 3 months service at level 1.

d. Manufacturing and Associated Industries and Occupations Award 2020

An employee moves to Level 2 (C13) after 3 months service at level 1 (C14).

There will be major changes to the Pastoral Award, 2020 and the Horticulture Award, 2020 but these do not commence until 1 April, 2025. We will provide the details closer to the date to allow you to update your records.

If anyone has any question in relation to the above changes please contact Andrew Cameron on 0407 200 909.