Circular 2024/02: Annual Wage Review updating Australian Government Awards

This circular is to inform Australian Government agencies of changes to the minimum wage that were effective from 1 July 2024, specifically in regard to the Australian Public Service Enterprise Award 2015, the Australian Government Industry Award 2016 and other enterprise awards covering Australian Government employment.

Annual Wage Review 2023-24 Decision

The Fair Work Commission made the Annual Wage Review 2023-24 Decision (the Decision) on 3 June 2024. The Decision increased the National Minimum Wage by $33.10 per week, amounting to an increase of 3.75 per cent.
The Decision also increases modern award minimum rates by 3.75 per cent.
The increase to the National Minimum Wage and the modern award minimum rates were effective from 1 July 2024.

Commonwealth employers have obligations under the Fair Work Act 2009 to ensure their employees are paid correctly. The hourly base rate of pay for an employee must not be less than the hourly base rate payable under the award which covers that employee.
Agencies should ensure that employees are paid at least the new award minimum pay rates. As an example, the minimum award hourly pay rate for an APS Level 1 employee will increase from $25.64 to $26.60 on 1 July 2024.
The Fair Work Commission has now updated the minimum pay rates in awards. Agencies need to ensure payroll processes are up to date and accurate and to avoid any potential for underpayments. Information on the correction of underpayment of wages can be found in this APSC Circular.
Agencies should also be aware that the adjustment from this decision will also flow through to employees engaged through the Supported Wage System. Awards have been updated accordingly.

For further information, please contact the Australian Public Service Commission at workplacerelations@apsc.gov.au or your agency’s relationship manager.