03 Feb Last round of increases to modern award minimum wages apply from 1 February 2021

Usually an increase to the minimum wage under modern awards will commence on 1 July.

However, due to the impact of Covid-19 on different industries, the Fair Work Commission in its Annual Wage Review 2019-20 determined that increases to the modern award minimum wages for 2020-21 would be staggered. Increases for Group 1 Awards commenced on 1 July 2020 and Group 2 Awards commenced on 1 November 2020.

Increases for Group 3 Awards commenced on 1 February 2021. The modern awards in Group 3 cover the industry sectors which have been most adversely affected by the pandemic; that is:

•Accommodation and food services;

•Arts and recreation services;

•Aviation;

•Retail trade; and

•Tourism.

The modern award minimum wages in these awards will be increased by 1.75 per cent from the start of the first full pay period on or after 1 February 2021.