ARTICLE · 16 AUGUST 2017

Key changes to workplace laws

Colin Biggers & Paisley

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On 1 July 2017, a range of monetary changes to workplace laws commenced, that will impact all employers in Australia.

AustraliaEmployment and HR

Paul O'Halloran

IN BRIEF: ON 1 JULY 2017, A RANGE OF MONETARY CHANGES TO WORKPLACE LAWS COMMENCED THAT IMPACT ON ALL EMPLOYERS IN AUSTRALIA.

MINIMUM WAGE INCREASES

On 6 June 2017, the Fair Work Commission Minimum Wage Panel determined that from the first full pay period after 1 July 2017:

Minimum rates of pay for adult full time employees covered by modern awards increased by 3%.
The national minimum wage for an award-free adult employee increased to $694.90 per week or $18.29 per hour.
The decision also impacts allowance and expense amounts referred to in modern awards.

ENTERPRISE AGREEMENTS

Employers who have an enterprise agreement in operation (even if it has passed its nominal expiry date) must ensure that the base rate of pay in the agreement does not result in any employee being paid less than the relevant modern award pay rate or, if no award applies, the national minimum wage.

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