02/06/2026
📢 Breaking news - National Minimum Wage and Modern Award rates increase announced 📢
At 10:00 am this morning the Fair Work Commission (FWC) released its 2026 National Wage Case decision announcing the minimum rates of pay to apply from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026:
◆︎ All Modern Award minimum rates will increase by 4.75%, provided that:
- the lowest rate in any Modern Award (other than where there is a entry level rate) must be at least $1,004.90 or $26.44 per hour; and
- any entry-level rate that is applicable to no more than the first six months of employment must be at least $978.10 per week or $25.74 per hour.
◆︎ The National Minimum Wage, will be increased to $1,004.90 per week, or $26.44 per hour.
We recommend that all employers who have an Enterprise Agreement undertake an assessment to determine if they remain compliant with the requirement in section 206 of the Fair Work Act, 2009 to maintain base rates at least equal to the applicable Modern Award.
If you would like to know more about the latest national wage increases or the implications for your business, please contact your usual Exant adviser or call 07 3218 3900 to speak with our HR Consulting team.
#2026