Hard to believe it is almost March; hopefully your Business Year is cracking already I have been writing this blog in my head for at least a month as FWA have been very busy with all there changes let's have a look….
1. Minimum Wage Updates
Ah, the good old minimum wage update! As of January 1, 2025, there have been changes to ensure everyone's pay keeps up with the cost of living. For many workers, this means a little extra in their pockets. Employers, on the other hand, need to make sure they're adjusting pay rates accordingly. It's not just the base wage either—allowances that depend on wage levels might also need a bump.
So, if you're an employee, check that your payslip reflects these updates! If you're an employer, it's time to review your pay scales and ensure you're compliant with the latest rates. (Check your award on the FWA website unless you have great software that has the Award installed already )
For employers in this sector, it's not just about the pay increase—there are updates to classification structures and additional guidelines for paying workers according to their level of experience and qualifications. Get familiar with these changes, as compliance is key.
Employers, it's a good time to assess your flexibility policies and make sure you're accommodating these requests in line with the new rules. Remember, flexibility isn't just a perk anymore—it's a requirement in many situations!
For businesses, this means tightening up on training, ensuring all staff are aware of what constitutes harassment, and having clear procedures in place for reporting and addressing any issues. Workers, don't hesitate to speak up if you feel uncomfortable—these changes are designed to create a safer environment for everyone.
If you're in one of these sectors, keep an eye on your entitlements—it's easier than ever to make sure your long service leave keeps growing, no matter where you work!
6. Changes to Awards and Industry-Specific Pay
There are also changes in various industry awards, affecting how certain allowances and penalties are calculated. These industry-specific tweaks might seem minor, but they can have a big impact on how much you or your employees are entitled to for things like overtime, weekend work, and shift penalties. Here is the list of Awards that had updates since 1/1/2025.
In fact Under payment of Staff is now a criminal offence in some cases up to 10 year jail so it is time to take your compliance seriously if you don't already.
https://www.fairwork.gov.au/about-us/workplace-laws/legislation-changes/closing-loopholes/criminalising-wage-underpayments-and-other-issues
Whether you're giving your payroll a once-over or just making sure your workplace policies are up to scratch, January 1 always brings a bit of a refresh. So, take a moment to review these updates and start 2025 with confidence! Here's to a fairer, more flexible year ahead.
Got questions or need help navigating the changes? LDG will do a Payroll review from $495.00 plus GST and give you a written report on recommendations on your payroll…
So, if you're an employee, check that your payslip reflects these updates! If you're an employer, it's time to review your pay scales and ensure you're compliant with the latest rates. (Check your award on the FWA website unless you have great software that has the Award installed already )
2. Aged Care Workers Pay Rise
One of the most significant changes that took effect this January is for our heroes in the aged care sector. Many of these workers have been granted a well-deserved pay rise, reflecting the vital services they provide. The Fair Work Commission has worked hard to adjust the pay rates, so if you're in aged care, be sure to check that your new rate has come through!For employers in this sector, it's not just about the pay increase—there are updates to classification structures and additional guidelines for paying workers according to their level of experience and qualifications. Get familiar with these changes, as compliance is key.
3. Workplace Flexibility & Family-Focused Updates
In 2025, the focus on flexibility and family-friendly work environments continues to evolve. There's now more room for employees to request flexible working arrangements, especially for those juggling family commitments or those transitioning back to work after parental leave.Employers, it's a good time to assess your flexibility policies and make sure you're accommodating these requests in line with the new rules. Remember, flexibility isn't just a perk anymore—it's a requirement in many situations!
4. Sexual Harassment Policies Strengthened
One of the critical updates this year focuses on strengthening sexual harassment policies. Fair Work Australia has introduced clearer guidelines to make workplaces safer and more respectful. Employers are now required to take more proactive steps to prevent and address sexual harassment in the workplace.For businesses, this means tightening up on training, ensuring all staff are aware of what constitutes harassment, and having clear procedures in place for reporting and addressing any issues. Workers, don't hesitate to speak up if you feel uncomfortable—these changes are designed to create a safer environment for everyone.
5. Portable Long Service Leave (PLSL)
For those in specific industries like construction, cleaning, and community services, the rules around Portable Long Service Leave (PLSL) have been expanded. This means that workers who move between jobs within these industries can still accumulate long service leave entitlements.If you're in one of these sectors, keep an eye on your entitlements—it's easier than ever to make sure your long service leave keeps growing, no matter where you work!
6. Changes to Awards and Industry-Specific Pay
There are also changes in various industry awards, affecting how certain allowances and penalties are calculated. These industry-specific tweaks might seem minor, but they can have a big impact on how much you or your employees are entitled to for things like overtime, weekend work, and shift penalties. Here is the list of Awards that had updates since 1/1/2025.
- 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
In fact Under payment of Staff is now a criminal offence in some cases up to 10 year jail so it is time to take your compliance seriously if you don't already.
https://www.fairwork.gov.au/about-us/workplace-laws/legislation-changes/closing-loopholes/criminalising-wage-underpayments-and-other-issues
Final Thoughts: Get Ready, Stay Informed
All these changes might feel like a lot to take in, but they're all about making workplaces fairer, safer, and more flexible for everyone. For workers, it's a good time to understand your rights and double-check that your employer is following the new rules. For employers, it's crucial to stay ahead of these changes to avoid any compliance headaches down the track.Whether you're giving your payroll a once-over or just making sure your workplace policies are up to scratch, January 1 always brings a bit of a refresh. So, take a moment to review these updates and start 2025 with confidence! Here's to a fairer, more flexible year ahead.
Got questions or need help navigating the changes? LDG will do a Payroll review from $495.00 plus GST and give you a written report on recommendations on your payroll…
