Australian employers in the early childhood education and pharmacy sectors — take note! The Fair Work Commission’s Gender-based undervaluation – priority awards review is delivering staged increases to minimum pay rates in key awards.

What’s Changing?

From 30 June 2026, minimum pay rates for some employees under the following awards will increase:

• Children’s Services Award 2010
• Pharmacy Industry Award 2020

These changes form part of a broader review aimed at addressing historical gender-based undervaluation in female-dominated industries. The new rates will apply from the first full pay period starting on or after 30 June 2026.

Important notes:

• The increases are staged over multiple years for manageability.
• They are in addition to the annual National Minimum Wage Review adjustments (expected 1 July 2026).
• Employers must update payroll systems promptly to avoid underpayments.

Why This Matters for Your Business

Failing to implement award wage increases on time can lead to:

• Backpay liabilities
• Fair Work Ombudsman investigations and penalties
• Damage to employee morale and retention — especially critical in high-turnover sectors like childcare and pharmacy.

With labour shortages in both industries, staying ahead of compliance helps attract and retain quality staff while protecting your business from costly disputes.

Action Steps for Employers

1. Review your current employees’ classifications and rates against the updated award structures.
2. Update payroll and contracts before the end of June 2026.
3. Communicate changes transparently to your team.
4. Check for any absorption rules or offsets (e.g., government retention payments in early childhood education).

Official Resources:

• Changes to the Children’s Services Award: fairwork.gov.au Children’s Services Award changes
• Changes to the Pharmacy Award: fairwork.gov.au Pharmacy Award changes
• Fair Work Pay and Conditions Tool for the latest rates.

How HR Bridge Australia Supports You

At HR Bridge Australia, we help Perth, WA, and national SMEs stay compliant with award changes like these. Our expert services include:

• Award interpretation and compliance gap analyses for Children’s Services, Pharmacy, and other modern awards
• Payroll audits and back-pay calculations
• Updated employment contracts and policies
• Manager training on wage changes and record-keeping
• Full outsourced HR and compliances support to reduce your administrative burden

Proactive compliance saves money and reduces risk — especially with ongoing Fair Work scrutiny in these sectors.

Don’t get caught out by the 30 June deadline. Ensure your business is ready and your team is paid correctly.

Need help reviewing your payroll, updating contracts, or conducting a compliance check? Contact HR Bridge Australia today for a no-obligation consultation.

HR Bridge Australia — Expert HR Outsourcing | Fair Work Compliance | Recruitment & Policies for SMEs Leederville, Perth WA | Serving businesses across Australia www.hrbridgeau.com | Contact Us