The Fair Work Commission has announced a 3.5 per cent increase to the National Minimum Wage and minimum award wages.

From 1 July 2025 the new adult National Minimum Wage for full-time (38 hour working week) employees will be $948.00 per week, or $24.95 per hour.

The related increases to the 120+ Award minimum rates of pay will be determined and rolled out over the coming weeks, along with adjustments to junior, trainee, and apprentice rates of pay, and Award allowances, prior to the 1 July 2025 operational date.

Commenting on the decision, Visual Media Association CEO Kellie Northwood said: “Given the current domestic economic environment, including ongoing low national productivity rates and increased input costs, the VMA sought that any increase be moderated against those factors. The outcome from the Commission’s decision is marginally higher than expected.

“We realise there are cost of living factors which affect lower paid workers; however a significant increase would put pressures on employers and negatively affect inflation. Given the rate of inflation has only recently fallen into the RBA’s target rate of 2-3 per cent, we did not see justifiable rationale to support ACTU’s claim for a 4.5 per cent increase to the minimum wage.”

“The VMA has provided members with a breakdown of the decision and over the coming weeks we will work with the Commission on further communication to the Award summaries and notifications for our members to confirm calculations for inclusion in relevant industry Awards before they become operational from 1 July.”

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