Insight,

Updated key employment figures now in effect

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Every year a number of key employment-related figures are updated on 1 July.  These figures affect various aspects of the employment lifecycle; from minimum wages, to unfair dismissal eligibility and the tax treatment of redundancy and termination payments. These updated figures are in effect now. 

National minimum wage

The national minimum wage increased to $812.60 per week or $21.38 per hour. This is an increase of $40.00 (or 5.2%) to the current national minimum weekly rate.

Minimum award wage rates

Minimum award wages increased by 4.6%, which is subject to a minimum increase for award classifications of $40 per week and based on a 38-hour week for a full-time employee.

This means minimum award wages:

  • above $869.60 per week, get a 4.6% increase; and
  • below $869.60 per week, get a $40 increase.

For certain awards in the aviation, hospitality and tourism industries set out below the increase will apply from 1 October 2022:

  • Aircraft Cabin Crew Award
  • Airline Operations – Ground Staff Award
  • Air Pilots Award
  • Airport Employees Award
  • Airservices Australia Enterprise Award
  • Hospitality Industry (General) Award
  • Registered and Licensed Clubs Award
  • Restaurant Industry Award
  • Marine Tourism and Charter Vessels Award
  • Alpine Resorts Award
High income threshold

On 1 July 2022, the high income threshold increased from $158,500 to $162,000. The compensation cap for unfair dismissal claims increased from $79,250 to $81,000. 

Superannuation increase

The superannuation guarantee contribution rate increased from 10% to 10.5% to be applied to payments on or after 1 July 2022.

Maximum superannuation contribution base

The maximum contribution base increased to $60,220 per quarter from 1 July 2022.

ETP thresholds

The life benefit termination payment ETP cap increased to $230,000 from 1 July 2022.

The death benefit termination payment ETP cap increased to $230,000 from 1 July 2022.

Redundancy tax threshold

The tax free threshold increased to $11,591 for the initial year, and $5,797 for each completed year of service.

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