Minimum wage rates effective 1st April

The new minimum wage rates will become effective on 1 April 2010. The adult minimum wage will be $12.75 an hour. That’s $102 for an eight-hour day, and $510 for a 40-hour week.

The new entrant’s minimum wage and the training minimum wage will be $10.20 an hour. That’s $81.60 for an eight-hour day, and $408 for a 40 hour week.

By law, employers must pay at least the minimum wage - even if an employee is paid by commission or by piece rate. The minimum wage applies to all workers aged 16 years or older, including home workers, casuals, temporary and part-time workers.

There is no statutory minimum wage for employees who are 15 years or younger. Pay rates for employees who are 15 years or younger are a negotiable matter between the employer and employee.

Holiday pay must be paid in addition to the minimum wage. If an employee receives “pay-as-you-go” holiday pay, this payment must be a separate and identifiable part of their pay. Find out more about pay-as-you-go holiday pay

An increase in the minimum wage will not affect an employee’s other conditions of employment, unless they agree to the changes.

The following can help you identify the correct minimum wage rate for your employee:

 The adult minimum wage applies to all employees aged 16 and over who are not new entrants or trainees

 The new entrants minimum wage applies to employees aged 16 and 17 except for those who have completed 200 hours or three months of employment, whichever is shorter; or who are supervising or training other workers; or who are trainees

 The training minimum wage applies to employees aged 16 and over who are doing recognised industry training involving at least 60 credits a year.

 There is no statutory minimum wage for employees who are 15 years or younger.