National Minimum Wage in Queensland
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Commonwealth Acts of Parliament, federal regulations, and official government guidance. State-level information reflects each state's own Acts and court decisions. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Every employee in Australia covered by the national workplace relations system has the right to be paid at least the national minimum wage. The Fair Work Commission reviews the rate every year and announces any changes in its Annual Wage Review, which typically takes effect on 1 July.
As of 1 July 2025, the national minimum wage is $24.95 per hour, or $948.00 per 38-hour week (before tax). The 2026 Annual Wage Review decision is expected in June 2026, taking effect 1 July 2026. The rate is reviewed every year and typically increases each July. Casual employees receive an additional 25% casual loading on top of this rate.
Many workers are covered by a modern award or enterprise agreement that sets a higher minimum pay rate for their job. Your employer must pay you whichever rate is higher — the national minimum wage or the rate in your award or agreement.
- Junior employees (under 21) may have a lower percentage-based rate set by their award.
- Apprentices and trainees have separate minimum rates based on their year of training.
When does it apply?
- You are an employee in the national workplace relations system (covers most private-sector workers).
- You are not covered by an award or enterprise agreement that sets a higher rate.
- Independent contractors are generally not covered. If you think you've been wrongly classified, you may still have rights.
- Western Australia's state system covers some WA state-government and unincorporated employers separately.
What to Do If Your Australian Employer Pays Below Minimum Wage
- Check your pay slips against the current minimum wage or your award rate at fairwork.gov.au.
- Use the Fair Work Ombudsman's Pay Calculator to find your exact minimum rate.
- If you are underpaid, raise it with your employer in writing first.
- If the issue isn't fixed, contact the Fair Work Ombudsman on 13 13 94 or lodge a complaint online. Claims can go back 6 years.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't assume your pay is correct just because your employer says so — check the rate yourself.
- Don't agree to be paid cash-in-hand below the minimum wage. This is illegal and you lose protections like super and workers' comp.
- Don't ignore the issue because you're on a visa — visa holders have the same minimum wage rights as citizens.
How Queensland differs from federal law
Most private-sector workers in Queensland are covered by the federal Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) and the national minimum wage set by the Fair Work Commission. However, Queensland also maintains its own Industrial Relations Act 2016 (Qld) covering state and local government employees.
- The Queensland Industrial Relations Commission (QIRC) sets wages for state public-sector employees, local government workers, and certain other employees under the state system. The QIRC sets its own minimum wage for these workers, which is typically aligned with or slightly above the national minimum.
- Queensland's state industrial relations system covers approximately 200,000 workers including state government employees, local council workers, and some statutory authority employees.
- The Office of Industrial Relations (OIR) within the Queensland Government administers the state system and provides compliance services.
- Private-sector workers who believe they are being underpaid should contact the Fair Work Ombudsman. State system workers should contact the OIR or the QIRC.
Additional Steps in Queensland
Report underpayment to the Fair Work Ombudsman (fairwork.gov.au or 13 13 94) for national system workers. State system workers contact the Office of Industrial Relations (oir.qld.gov.au or 1300 369 945). Free legal help is available from Queensland Legal Aid (1300 651 188).
Relevant Law: Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth); Industrial Relations Act 2016 (Qld)
Common Questions
When does national minimum wage apply?
You are an employee in the national workplace relations system (covers most private-sector workers).You are not covered by an award or enterprise agreement that sets a higher rate.Independent contractors are generally not covered. If you think you've been wrongly classified, you may still have rights.Western Australia's state system covers some WA state-government and unincorporated employers separately.
What should I do if my employer in Australia is paying me below the minimum wage?
Check your pay slips against the current minimum wage or your award rate at fairwork.gov.au.Use the Fair Work Ombudsman's Pay Calculator to find your exact minimum rate.If you are underpaid, raise it with your employer in writing first.If the issue isn't fixed, contact the Fair Work Ombudsman on 13 13 94 or lodge a complaint online. Claims can go back 6 years.
What mistakes should I avoid with national minimum wage?
Don't assume your pay is correct just because your employer says so — check the rate yourself.Don't agree to be paid cash-in-hand below the minimum wage. This is illegal and you lose protections like super and workers' comp.Don't ignore the issue because you're on a visa — visa holders have the same minimum wage rights as citizens.
National Minimum Wage in other states
Same topic, different jurisdiction. Pick the one that applies to you.