Recent developments in Australia
Annual wage increase to national minimum wage and modern award rates (2026)
The Fair Work Commission’s annual wage review resulted in an increase to the national minimum wage and award rates effective 1 July 2025, continuing through 2026. Employers must ensure correct pay calculations, including penalties, loadings, and allowances.
Ongoing implementation of paid family and domestic violence leave (2026)
All employees, including casuals, remain entitled to ten days of paid family and domestic violence leave per year at their full rate of pay. Compliance attention in 2026 focuses on payroll accuracy, confidentiality obligations, and evidence requirements.
Stronger regulation and enforcement of wage underpayment (2026)
Enhanced penalties and criminal liability apply to deliberate wage underpayment and record-keeping breaches. Regulators continue targeted audits of high-risk industries, and serious contraventions may attract significantly increased financial penalties.
Continued reporting obligations under modern slavery legislation (2026)
Organisations that meet the revenue threshold remain required to submit annual Modern Slavery Statements addressing risks in their operations and supply chains. Regulatory oversight of reporting quality continues to intensify in 2026.
Additional protections for vulnerable and migrant workers (2026)
Enforcement efforts continue to strengthen protections for vulnerable workers, including expanded investigative powers, higher penalties for breaches, and increased accountability for franchisors and holding companies regarding worker entitlements.
