Question 1

When does the Fair Work Commission Annual Wage Review 2026-27 decision land?

Accepted Answer

The Fair Work Commission's Annual Wage Review 2026-27 decision is expected in the first week of June 2026. The new National Minimum Wage and modern award minimum rates take effect from 1 July 2026 (with occasional 1 October 2026 deferrals for hospitality, tourism and aviation awards). This tool will be updated within an hour of the decision being published with the actual percentage and dollar figures.

Question 2

Will my award definitely get a pay rise on 1 July 2026?

Accepted Answer

Yes — the Fair Work Commission lifts all 122 modern award minimum rates and the National Minimum Wage every year on 1 July. The only question is by how much. Recent annual increases: 2025-26 = 3.5%, 2024-25 = 3.75%, 2023-24 = 5.75% (modern awards) with the National Minimum Wage rising 8.65% to re-align to the C13 classification of the Manufacturing Award.

Question 3

What is the expected pay rise percentage for 1 July 2026?

Accepted Answer

Pre-decision predictions range from 2.5% (employer-side, ACCI submission) to 4.5% (union-side, ACTU submission). The Federal Government's submission typically asks for a rise that keeps pace with inflation. The Fair Work Commission usually lands in the middle of those ranges, taking into account current CPI (around 2.4-3.0% in early 2026), productivity, and labour market conditions. The 2025-26 decision of 3.5% gives a useful anchor.

Question 4

Does my employer have to pay the new award rate?

Accepted Answer

Yes if you're paid at the award minimum. The new rate is the legal floor from 1 July 2026 — your employer cannot pay below it without breaching the Fair Work Act, regardless of any individual or workplace agreement. If you're paid above the award minimum, your employer is not required to pass on the wage review increase, though many do (especially where the award has now caught up to your above-award rate).

Question 5

When does my first pay packet at the new rate land?

Accepted Answer

The new rates take effect for all hours worked from 1 July 2026 onwards. Your first pay packet at the new rate will be the first payslip covering work performed on or after 1 July. For a fortnightly pay cycle starting Monday 30 June 2026, that's the pay packet covering 30 June - 13 July (paid 18-20 July typically). Any work performed on 1 July or later but paid before the decision is announced will be back-paid by your employer — they cannot legally short-pay.

Will My Award Get a Pay Rise on 1 July 2026?

Hospitality Award · Hospitality Level 1

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