The Expert Panel of the Fair Work Commission (FWC) has handed down its decision in the Annual Wage Review 2023-24. Key elements of the decision include the following:
• Award minimum wages will be increased by 3.75 per cent.
• The National Minimum Wage will be increased to $915.90 per week, or $24.10 per hour.
• Junior, apprentice and trainee wage rates will be adjusted proportionately.
• Wage-related allowances and expense-related allowances will be increased in accordance with the usual formulas.
• The increases will be operative from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2024.

The FWC also confirmed it will initiate separate proceedings on its own motion to deal with potential gender undervaluation in the following awards:
• Children’s Services Award 2010
• Social, Community, home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010
• Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Practitioners and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services Award 2020
• Pharmacy Industry Award 2020

Over the next few weeks, Ai Group will distribute Compliance Advices in relation to individual modern awards, setting out the new wage rates and allowances once they are determined by the FWC.