The 2023-2024 Annual Wage Review decision identified five modern awards which required priority consideration as to whether they have been the subject of gender-based undervaluation.
Consequently, on 7 June 2024, an Expert Panel of the Fair Work Commission initiated proceedings to consider whether changes (variations) to certain classifications and minimum wage rates were necessary in the following five “priority” modern awards:
On 16 April 2025, the Expert Panel issued its decision finding that certain categories of employees covered by the awards had been the subject of gender-based undervaluation and that there were work value reasons justifying varying the rates of such categories of employees.
The Expert Panel set out a determination providing for variations to the Pharmacy Industry Award 2020.
It expressed provisional views regarding potential variations to the other four priority awards to address the gender-based undervaluation. The changes would have significant cost impacts for many employers. Parties will be afforded an opportunity to be heard in relation to the provisional views, including in relation to potential commencement dates and phasing in arrangements.
Ai Group will continue its representation of members’ interests in any further proceedings.
