Tasmania National Minimum Wage Laws (2026)
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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 the national system has a right to at least the national minimum wage. The Fair Work Commission resets it every year through the Annual Wage Review, with the new rate taking effect on 1 July.
From 1 July 2025, that floor is $24.95 per hour, or $948.00 per 38-hour week before tax. The 2026 Annual Wage Review decision lands in June 2026 and takes effect 1 July 2026. Casual employees add a 25% casual loading on top — that loading is the trade-off for not getting paid leave or notice on termination.
The wrinkle that catches most underpayment cases: many workers are covered by a modern award or an enterprise agreement setting a higher rate than the national minimum. The employer has to pay whichever is higher — the national rate or the award rate.
- Junior employees (under 21) often have a lower percentage rate set by their award.
- Apprentices and trainees have separate minima keyed to 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
Underpayment cases are won on the pay slips and the timesheet, not on memory.
- Check your pay slips against the current minimum or your award rate at fairwork.gov.au.
- Use the FWO's Pay Calculator to confirm the exact minimum for your award and classification.
- Raise underpayment with the employer in writing first. Many issues are payroll errors that get fixed once flagged.
- If nothing changes, call the Fair Work Ombudsman on 13 13 94 or lodge online. Underpayment claims can reach back 6 years.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't take the employer's word for it. Check the rate yourself — payroll mistakes outnumber payroll fraud, but the gap matters either way.
- Don't accept cash in hand below the minimum. It's illegal and it strips you of super, workers' comp, and most enforcement leverage.
- Don't shrug it off because you're on a visa. Temporary visa holders have the same wage protections as citizens — and the FWO has been increasingly aggressive on visa-worker exploitation.
How Tasmania differs from federal law
Most workers in Tasmania are covered by the national minimum wage set by the Fair Work Commission under the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth). Tasmania referred its industrial relations powers to the Commonwealth, so virtually all Tasmanian employees are in the national system.
- Tasmania does not maintain a separate state industrial relations system — the Fair Work Act covers all Tasmanian workers, including state government employees, after the referral of powers under the Industrial Relations (Commonwealth Powers) Act 2009 (Tas).
- The Tasmanian Industrial Commission (TIC) continues to exist but has a limited role, primarily dealing with long service leave disputes and some public sector matters under the Industrial Relations Act 1984 (Tas).
- Tasmania has a smaller economy with a higher proportion of workers on award rates compared to the national average, meaning the national minimum wage and modern award rates are particularly significant.
- The Fair Work Ombudsman enforces minimum wage compliance throughout Tasmania.
National minimum wage from 1 July 2025
Following the Annual Wage Review 2024–25 decision [2025] FWCFB 3500, the national minimum wage from 1 July 2025 is $24.95 per hour or $948.00 per week for a 38-hour week. There is no separate Tasmanian minimum wage — this rate applies to all private-sector employees in the state. Casual employees receive a 25 % casual loading, giving an hourly rate of $31.19.
Superannuation Guarantee — 12 % from 1 July 2025
The Superannuation Guarantee rate reached its final legislated level of 12 % on 1 July 2025. Employers must pay SG contributions on ordinary-time earnings for every eligible employee, including those on the national minimum wage. Underpayment of SG is recoverable via the ATO.
State Service Act 2000 (Tas) — public-sector exception
A narrow carve-out applies to Tasmanian State Service employees under the State Service Act 2000 (Tas). Public-service remuneration is set through State Service Awards and Agreements rather than federal modern awards, although wages are benchmarked against the national minimum wage. Disputes go to the Tasmanian Industrial Commission rather than the Fair Work Commission.
Additional Steps in Tasmania
File underpayment claims with the Fair Work Ombudsman (fairwork.gov.au). For long service leave disputes, contact the Tasmanian Industrial Commission (tic.tas.gov.au). Free legal advice is available from Legal Aid Tasmania (1300 366 611).
Relevant Law: Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth); Annual Wage Review 2024–25 [2025] FWCFB 3500 (NMW $24.95/hr, $948.00/wk from 1 July 2025; casual $31.19/hr); Superannuation Guarantee (Administration) Act 1992 (Cth) — SG 12 % from 1 July 2025; Industrial Relations (Commonwealth Powers) Act 2009 (Tas); Industrial Relations Act 1984 (Tas); State Service Act 2000 (Tas)
Common Questions
What is the national minimum wage right in Australia?
Every employee in the national system has a right to at least the national minimum wage. The Fair Work Commission resets it every year through the Annual Wage Review, with the new rate taking effect on 1 July.From 1 July 2025, that floor is $24.95 per hour, or $948.00 per 38-hour week before tax. The 2026 Annual Wage Review decision lands in June 2026 and takes effect 1 July 2026. Casual employees add a 25% casual loading on top — that loading is the trade-off for not getting paid leave or notice on termination.The wrinkle that catches most underpayment cases: many workers are covered by a mod...
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?
Underpayment cases are won on the pay slips and the timesheet, not on memory.Check your pay slips against the current minimum or your award rate at fairwork.gov.au.Use the FWO's Pay Calculator to confirm the exact minimum for your award and classification.Raise underpayment with the employer in writing first. Many issues are payroll errors that get fixed once flagged.If nothing changes, call the Fair Work Ombudsman on 13 13 94 or lodge online. Underpayment claims can reach back 6 years.
What mistakes should I avoid with national minimum wage?
Don't take the employer's word for it. Check the rate yourself — payroll mistakes outnumber payroll fraud, but the gap matters either way.Don't accept cash in hand below the minimum. It's illegal and it strips you of super, workers' comp, and most enforcement leverage.Don't shrug it off because you're on a visa. Temporary visa holders have the same wage protections as citizens — and the FWO has been increasingly aggressive on visa-worker exploitation.
National Minimum Wage in other states
Same topic, different jurisdiction. Pick the one that applies to you.