Annual wage review decision announced

The Fair Work Commission (FWC) has announced its annual wage review decision for the upcoming 2022/2023 financial year.

The Commission has made the decision to increase the National Minimum Wage (NMW) by 5.2%, and minimum rates of pay in modern awards by either $40 per week, or 4.6% (whichever is greater but not both).

The increase to the NMW and the minimum rates in modern awards that apply to the veterinary industry – including the Animal Care and Veterinary Services Award 2020 – will apply from the first full pay period commencing on or after 1st July 2022.

To summarise, the annual wage review decision will impact veterinary practices as follows:

• The weekly rates of pay in the Animal Care and Veterinary Services Award 2020 will increase by either $40 per week or 4.6% (whichever is greater but not both) from the first full pay period commencing on or after 1st July 2022. In effect, this means weekly award minimum wage rates currently above $869.60 per week will receive a 4.6 per cent increase, while wage rates below $869.60 per week will be increased by $40 per week.

• For award/agreement-free employees, the NMW will increase from $772.60 per week ($20.33 per hour) to $812.60 per week ($21.38 per hour).

If your employees are covered by another award/agreement, or you are unsure if they are award/agreement-free, please contact the AVA HR Advisory Service for advice.

What happens now?

The AVA HR Advisory Service will update all relevant modern award wage guides to reflect the increase. The updated guides will be available by 1st July 2022.

For more information, call 1300 788 977 or email hrhotline@ava.com.au.