The start of the new financial year saw the new National Minimum Wage come into effect.

From July 1, 2025, eligible employees would receive a 3.5 per cent minimum wage increase from their first full pay period on or after July 1.

According to the Fair Work Ombudsman the new National Minimum Wage would be $948 per week, based on a 38-hour week for a full-time employee, or $24.95 per hour. This is an increase from the 2024/25 financial year rates of $915.90 per week and $24.10 per hour.

Casual employees must receive at least $31.19 per hour, which includes the 25 per cent casual loading.

The 3.5 per cent increase also applies to the minimum wage rates within awards.

Fair Work Ombudsman Anna Booth urged employers to make sure that eligible employees receive the 3..5 per cent increase from the first full pay period on or after July 1.

“The Fair Work Ombudsman provides information, tools and support to employers to help them pay employees correctly,” Ms Booth said.

“Employers and employees can also use our Pay Calculator to check which award applies to their industry or occupations, or contact us for help.”

The minimum wage increase may also apply to employees covered by an enterprise agreement, as an employee’s base pay rate under an enterprise agreement can’t be less than their base pay rate under the relevant award or the National Minimum Wage if the employee is not covered by an award.

The National Minimum Wage increase was announced on June 3, 2025.