Some fantastic news for all workers, especially those who as union members have been pushing for a wage increase. This is welcome news particularly amidst the cost-of-living crisis workers across Australia are facing. 

The National Minimum Wage will increase to $23.23 per hour from 1 July 2023. For casual employees, the new minimum will be $29.04 per hour. 

The minimum full-time weekly wage rises to $882.80 representing an extra $70.20 a week for workers struggling most with the cost-of-living crisis. 

These pay rises for 1 in 4 Australian workers were achieved because workers through their respective unions pushed for it. 

We strongly recommend that if you’re on the minimum wage or award rates that you check to make sure you’re being paid correctly. 

As soon as you get your payslip for the first pay period starting on or after 1 July 2023, check to make sure the increase has been included in your wages.  

If it’s not there, your employer may be stealing your wages. In Victoria as of 2021, we now have strict wage theft laws with serious consequences for individuals and businesses that are found to be stealing wages.  

You should get in touch with the Young Workers Centre if the numbers don’t look right – we are here to support you.  

Young workers in Victoria can contact the Young Workers Centre for help and advice: https://www.youngworkers.org.au/contacting_us  

If you are a worker on a visa, you can also contact the Migrant Workers Centre: https://www.migrantworkers.org.au/get_help 

Join your union to win higher wages and better conditions in your workplace.  

Increases to minimum wages only happen because workers in their unions campaign for increases every year through the Fair Work Commission. The Fair Work Commission decides the new minimum wages each year. 

Your co-workers are your greatest allies. We recommend having conversations about pay and conditions with them and working together with your union to achieve better conditions in your workplace, because you are stronger together.