The Fair Work Commission boosted minimum wages under modern awards by 4.75 percent, lifting the national hourly rate from $24.95 to $26.44 and a full-time weekly wage to over $1,000 for the first time.
This affects 21 percent of the workforce, especially part-time, casual, and female employees in retail, hospitality, health care, and admin roles.
The panel, led by Justice Adam Hatcher, balanced rising living costs against inflation risks, drawing praise from Prime Minister Albanese and unions while business groups worry about pressures on small firms.
