FairWorkMate

Redundancy Pay in Western Australia (WA) 2026 — Your Rights & Entitlements

Last updated: March 2026

Redundancy pay in Western Australia is primarily governed by the National Employment Standards (NES) under the Fair Work Act 2009, which applies to all national system employees across Australia. Under the NES, employees made redundant are entitled to between 4 and 16 weeks' pay based on their length of continuous service.

However, WA has specific considerations. WA has a dual industrial relations system. State system employers (including some sole traders and partnerships) are governed by the Industrial Relations Act 1979 (WA), which has its own redundancy provisions.

If you believe your redundancy entitlements have not been met, you can lodge a complaint with the Fair Work Ombudsman or apply to the WA Industrial Relations Commission for resolution.

Key Facts: Redundancy Pay in WA

  • ✓NES redundancy pay ranges from 4 weeks (1-2 years service) to 16 weeks (9-10 years service)
  • ✓Small businesses (fewer than 15 employees) are exempt from NES redundancy pay
  • ✓The WA Industrial Relations Commission handles state-level industrial disputes in WA
  • ✓WA public sector employees may have different (often more generous) redundancy provisions
  • ✓Redundancy pay is calculated on your base rate of pay for ordinary hours
  • ✓Genuine redundancy payments receive concessional tax treatment from the ATO

Calculate Your Entitlements

Use our free redundancy pay calculator to calculate your specific entitlements based on your circumstances.

Open Redundancy Pay Calculator →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much redundancy pay am I entitled to in Western Australia?▼
Redundancy pay in Western Australia follows the National Employment Standards. You're entitled to 4 weeks' pay for 1-2 years of service, scaling up to 16 weeks for 9-10 years. After 10 years, the entitlement reduces. Small businesses (fewer than 15 employees) are exempt.
Where do I make a redundancy complaint in WA?▼
You can lodge a complaint with the Fair Work Ombudsman (13 13 94) for national system employers. For state system matters, contact the WA Industrial Relations Commission. If you're a WA government employee, your enterprise agreement may have its own dispute process.
Do WA government employees get different redundancy pay?▼
Yes. WA has a dual industrial relations system. State system employers (including some sole traders and partnerships) are governed by the Industrial Relations Act 1979 (WA), which has its own redundancy provisions. Check your enterprise agreement or contact your HR department for specific details.
Is redundancy pay taxed in Western Australia?▼
Genuine redundancy payments in all Australian states, including Western Australia, receive special tax treatment. A portion is tax-free based on your years of service, with the remainder taxed at concessional rates. This is a federal ATO rule that applies equally across all states.

Redundancy Pay in Other States

NSWNew South WalesVICVictoriaQLDQueenslandSASouth AustraliaTASTasmaniaACTAustralian Capital TerritoryNTNorthern Territory

More Workplace Rights in WA

Notice PeriodNotice Period rights in Western AustraliaLong Service LeaveLong Service Leave rights in Western AustraliaUnfair DismissalUnfair Dismissal rights in Western AustraliaWorkers CompensationWorkers Compensation rights in Western AustraliaPublic HolidaysPublic Holidays rights in Western Australia

General information and estimates only — not legal, financial, or tax advice. Always verify with the Fair Work Ombudsman (13 13 94) or a qualified professional.