National Minimum Wage in Tasmania
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 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
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.