MA000026Printing & Publishing
Graphic Arts Award
Graphic Arts, Printing and Publishing Award 2020
Who does this award cover?
The Graphic Arts Award covers employees working in printing & publishing, including the following common roles:
Pay rates by classification
| Classification | Base (per hour) | Casual (+25%) | Weekly (38h) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Graphic Arts Level 1 | $25.74 | $32.18 | $978.12 |
| Graphic Arts Level 2 | $26.44 | $33.05 | $1004.72 |
| Graphic Arts Level 3 | $27.08 | $33.85 | $1029.04 |
| Graphic Arts Level 4 | $27.97 | $34.96 | $1062.86 |
| Graphic Arts Level 5 | $29.45 | $36.81 | $1119.10 |
Get plain-English answers on the Graphic Arts Award
Answers grounded on the full MA000026 document — every clause, variation, and classification. Pro is $29.99/mo, cancel anytime.
Penalty rates
How casual overtime is calculated
One of the most common payroll questions under the Graphic Arts Award: when a casual works overtime or weekend hours, does the 1.5× or 2× multiplier apply to the base rate, or to the 25%-loaded casual rate? The answer depends on how the award is drafted.
Method for the Graphic Arts Award
Unresolved — award drafting is ambiguous or we have not verified
We have not independently verified how this award treats the 25% casual loading when overtime or penalty rates apply. The three possible methods (additive / compounded / separate) can produce materially different pay outcomes. Check the award text at fwc.gov.au or use the Fair Work Ombudsman Pay and Conditions Tool (PACT) for a definitive answer.
| Method | Calculation | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|
| Additive | $27.08 × 175% | $47.39 |
| Compounded | $33.85 × 150% | $50.77 |
| Separate | $27.08 × 150% | $40.62 |
Break entitlements
| Shift length | Meal break | Rest break | Paid? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 5 hours | — | — | No |
| 5–7.6 hours | 30 min | — | No |
| 7.6–10 hours | 30 min | 10 min | Yes |
| 10+ hours | 60 min | 20 min | Yes |
More on the Graphic Arts Award
Graphic Arts Award pay rates 2026-27
Every classification, junior and casual rate, penalty table and rate calculator.
Search enterprise agreements
An enterprise agreement replaces the award where one covers your workplace. Search by employer.
Enterprise agreements in printing & publishing
- Kosdown Printing Co Pty Ltd & AMWU Enterprise Agreement 2025
- McPherson Media Group Printing Employees Enterprise Agreement 2024
- McPherson Media Group Printing Employees Enterprise Agreement 2024
- News Corp Australia - AMWU Metropolitan Printing Agreement 2024
- McPherson's Printing Pty Ltd Maryborough Sites Enterprise Workplace Agreement 2023
- Griffin Press Printing Enterprise Agreement 2024
Want the full MA000026 document?
This page covers the headline rates, penalties, and break rules. The full award has dozens more clauses: allowances, overtime formulas, rostering rules, dispute procedures, and classification descriptors. FairWork Mate answers plain-English questions grounded on every clause, with a citation back to the award on every answer.
FairWork Mate AI
Not sure the Graphic Arts Award is the award that covers you?
“I think I'm covered by the Graphic Arts Award (MA000026). Is that the right award for my job, and what should I be paid?”
Coverage turns on what your business actually does, not your job title. The advisor checks your situation against the MA000026 coverage clause and the decisions that have tested it.
Ask the advisor →Get notified when award rates change
Free alerts when the Graphic Arts Award pay rates are updated (annually on 1 July) or when the Fair Work Commission varies the award.