From 1 July 2025, the following employment legislation changes that effective:
- Superannuation (super) guarantee increases from 11.5% to 12%. Learn more from the Australian Taxation Office: Super guarantee.
- 2025/26 Wage Rates are now in place. A 3.5% increase to the National Minimum Wage and minimum award wages takes effect from 1 July 2025. From the first full pay period starting on or after 1 July 2025, adult minimum award wages increase by 3.5%, $948 per week (based on a 38-hour week for a full-time employee), or $24.95 per hour. This is an increase from the 2024-25 rates of $915.90 per week and $24.10 per hour.
Other award wages will get a proportionate increase. This includes junior, trainee, apprentice, supported wages, and enterprise bargaining agreements, that are based on adult minimum wages.
Casual employees entitled to the National Minimum Wage must receive at least $31.19 per hour, which includes the 25 per cent casual loading.
- Government Funded Parental leave increase from 22 weeks to 24 weeks
Increased Paid Parental Leave
The duration of government-funded Parental Leave Pay will increase from 110 days (22 weeks) to 120 days (24 weeks) for children born or adopted on or after 1 July 2025. This adjustment allows families more time to care for their newborns or newly adopted children.
Superannuation Contributions on Parental Leave Pay
In a move to address the gender superannuation gap, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will begin making superannuation contributions on government-funded Parental Leave Pay. Starting from 1 July 2025, eligible parents will receive an additional 12% of their PLP.
Find out more at Services Australia – Changes if you get family payments.
Fair Work Spot Checks
Fair Work spot checks, also known as random audits, are surprise inspections conducted by the Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) to ensure businesses are complying with workplace laws in Australia.
In 2025, the FWO will continue its focus on compliance, particularly in industries like horticulture, and will be conducting spot checks to ensure employers are meeting their obligations under the Fair Work Act. This includes checking for compliance with pay slip and record-keeping requirements, as well as minimum wage and other entitlements.
We are doing a lot of work with clients getting their HR Compliance ducks in a row. Are your Employment Agreements, Position Descriptions, Employee Handbooks and Wage Rates up to date? Call us today, we’ll make it our priority.