New Minimum Wage Rate from 1 July 2019

The Minimum Wage Panel on 30 May 2019 handed down its minimum wage decision for 2019. From the first pay period commencing on or after 1 July 2019, the National Minimum Wage will increase to $740.80 per week, or $19.49 per hour.

What this means for you:

1. Employers who pay their employees at the National Minimum Wage or Modern Award rates of pay will need to apply the increase in the first full pay period commencing on or after 1 July 2019;

2. Employers who currently pay above National Minimum Wage or Modern Award rates of pay are not obliged by this decision to increase their rates of pay, but need to ensure their rates remain at least as beneficial, once the increase is applied; and
   
   
3. Employers who pay under enterprise agreements must ensure that the base rates in those agreements remain at least equal to the new minimum Modern Award rates.
   
   

If you pay any of your employees under annualised salary arrangements you will need to conduct an audit of those annualised salaries against the new Award rates and working patterns to ensure the annual salary compensates for award entitlements.

Need Help?

If you need help with updating your pay systems for these new minimum wage rate, please contact our expert accountants and our team would be delighted to assist you.

Paul Lyons