Workers employed under several agricultural rewards will have their minimum wage increased following the new determination handed down by the Minimum Wage Panel. The changes, which were announced on 16 June 2021 will see the minimum wage increased to $772.60 per week for a full-time worker, which is no less than $20.33 per hour, unless for a junior or trainee. Pastoral, Horticulture and Aquaculture awards will have their minimum wage increased by 2.5% from 1 July 2021, with the awards for Wine Industry and Nursery receiving the same increase from the 1st of November. The Panel, which was established and works under the Fair Work Act 2009, cited the stronger economic growth, despite a degree of uncertainty posed by COVID outbreaks and delays in the vaccination program, as the reason for raising the minimum wage. Changes to superannuation guarantee contributions have also been considered by the Panel, which have been increased from 9.5% to 10%. The changes mean that NSW Farmers members will need to adjust their employees’ wages accordingly and pay attention to the operative dates.
Contact Morgan + English for further enquiries on award entitlements.
