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ARTICLE · 07 JULY 2026

Workplace Wrap—July 2026

K&L Gates
K&L Gates
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Australia's Fair Work Commission has announced significant changes to minimum wage rates and employment thresholds effective July 1, 2026, including a 6% increase to the national minimum wage and structural reforms to Award wage classifications. These adjustments come amid economic uncertainty and ongoing efforts to address real wage gaps affecting low-paid workers, while also introducing changes to superannuation contribution bases and unfair dismissal thresholds.

AustraliaEmployment and HR
Michaela Moloney
Michaela Moloney
Nick Ruskin
Nick Ruskin
Sacha Bolton
Sacha Bolton
Carla Camassa
Carla Camassa

As we find ourselves in the new financial year, a number of the key financial thresholds relating to employees have changed. Click here to view our summary of the key thresholds for the 2026/2027 financial year. 

From 1 July 2026, the national minimum wage has increased by 6% to AU$26.44 per hour. Award minimum wages have also risen, by 4.75%. 

The Fair Work Commission noted that determination of the review was particularly challenging this year because of the unusual degree of complexity in the economic and business performance in Australia. Ultimately, the Fair Work Commission cited moderate wage growth, increasing inflation, a predicted slowing economy over the next year, and uncertainty in the Middle East as reasons for its decisions. 

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