Changes to entry level award classifications

The Fair Work Commission has undertaken a review of entry level classifications in 45 modern awards and that is resulting in some key changes.

What’s changing?

The Fair Work Commission has decided that, where entry level provisions in modern awards had pay rates below the level of the federal minimum wage, they can only apply for a limited period while a new employee with no industry skills and experience learns their new job. 

The length of the limited period varies between awards but is most commonly 3 months and none allow for more than 6 months. 

Awards which just have changes to introductory level rules

These awards have variations from 1 January 2025:

• Airline Ground Staff Award
• Amusement Award
• Animal and Veterinary Services Award
• Australian Government Award
• Dry Cleaning and Laundry Award
• Fitness Award
• Food and Beverage Manufacturing Award
• Funeral Award
• Graphic Arts and Printing Award
• Joinery Award
• Live Performance Award
• Manufacturing Award
• Marine Tourism and Charter Vessels Award
• Meat Award
• Pest Control Award
• Port Authorities Award
• Textile, Clothing, Footwear and Associated Industries Award
• Timber Award
• Travelling Shows Award
• Vehicle Award

Plus the changes in the Horticulture Award take effect from 1 April 2025

Awards which have changes to minimum rates and introductory level rules

These awards have variations from 1 January 2025:

• Air Pilots Award
•  Aquaculture Industry Award
• Architects Award
• Business Equipment Award
• Cement, Lime and Quarrying Award
• Children’s Services Award
• Concrete Products Award
• Cottin Ginning Award
• Electrical, Electronic and Communications Contracting Award
• Rail Industry Award
• Seafood Processing Award
• Sugar Industry Award
• Wine Industry Award
• Wool Storage, Sampling and Testing Award

Plus the changes in the Pastoral Award take effect from 1 April 2025.

Enterprise Agreements

If an organisation has an enterprise agreement in place, they still have to pay new employees at least the new introductory rates that apply under modern awards from 1 January 2025 or 1 April 2025 as applicable. 

How can we help?

If you need assistance with interpreting  awards and the effects of these changes in award provisions for your business, we can help.

Just give us on 1300 108 488 to arrange your free first consultation.