On 2 June 2026 the Fair Work Commission (FWC) announced their decision for the Annual Wage Review 2025-26.

The FWC decided to raise most minimum wages contained in all modern awards such as the Registered and Licensed Clubs Award 2020 (Clubs Award) as well as the Racing Club Events Award 2020 and Racing Industry Grounds Maintenance Award 2020 by 4.75%.

The FWC however determined that the lowest-paid classifications in modern awards, classifications paid at the C14 & C13 rates (which for example in the Clubs Award is the introductory and level 1 rates) will be increased by an additional amount. These pay levels will see the equivalent to a 5.97% increase instead.

In their announcement the FWC stated that it was looking to raise wages by an amount that would ensure award-reliant employees generally were not worse off in real terms than they were a year ago.

This increase will need to be implemented on a club’s first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026 which means for example that if a club’s weekly pay period starts on a Monday, the new rates will have to have been implemented from Monday 6 July 2026 onwards.

The national minimum wage (NMW), being the minimum rate that applies to employees not covered by a modern award or registered agreement such as an enterprise bargaining agreement, has also been increased, going up to $26.44 per hour and $1004.90 per week.

A wage schedule containing the new minimum rates for the Clubs Award will be developed and made available on the Clubs SA Members Only site once the FWC has released the relevant final new figures.

Members need to ensure that they properly review the new wage rates and increase employees’ pay where needed including checking to ensure salaries and all-inclusive rates are still sufficient.

Members who have any questions regarding minimum wages can contact me on 0448 273 355 or at workplacerelations@clubssa.com.au.