 National minimum wage decision
The rates in PayCheck have been updated to reflect Fair Work Australia's annual wage review decision and the model phasing arrangements that apply in most modern awards.
The annual wage review decision applies from the first pay period on or after 1 July 2010. |
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From 1 January 2010, modern awards cover most workplaces.
Transitional arrangements in most modern awards mean that some new pay rates commence on the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2010.
Important! This means that pay rates for many employees change on 1 July 2010.
Transitional arrangements in most modern awards give employers and employees time to adjust to the changes by allowing new pay rates to be phased in over a period of four years until the full modern award rates apply on 1 July 2014.
In this period pay rates need to be calculated with reference to the pre-modern award entitlement that used to cover the employee before 1 January 2010 as well as the relevant modern award entitlement.
What is PayCheck?
PayCheck assists by calculating the base rate of pay from an employee’s modern award and their relevant pre-modern award.
PayCheck will update pay rates with any changes resulting from Fair Work Australia’s annual wage review. The 2010 annual wage review is expected to take effect from the first full pay period on or after 1 July. Employers should check that they are paying the correct rates from 1 July each year.
The base rates of pay calculated by PayCheck are minimum rates of pay only – employers may choose to pay their employees more than the minimum at any time.
There are certain specific transitional arrangements that affect the Children Services modern award, the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services modern award, some Building and Construction modern awards and some South Australian Hospitality employees. Information relating to the effect of these arrangements will be available soon.
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How do I use PayCheck?
PayCheck works by matching the common occupations or job description you provide with the relevant modern award classification(s).
You will need to select:
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the modern award classification (if more that one applies for the job)
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the pre-modern award classification that applied for the job prior to 1 January 2010
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the State or Territory where you work
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whether you are an adult, junior or apprentice employee
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if the business employed staff before 27 March 2006.
PayCheck will calculate minimum rates of pay based on your selections. If you have not selected the right information, or there are changes in your circumstances, it may affect the accuracy of the rates that PayCheck provides.
PayCheck provides information on minimum base rates of pay only. Other monetary entitlements may be payable under your modern award, such as penalty rates or allowances.
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Who can use PayCheck?
You can use PayCheck if you want to check pay rates for an employee who is now covered by a modern award and was previously covered by (or could have been covered by) one of the following types of pre-modern awards:
- a pre-reform award (AP)
- a notional agreement preserving a State awards (NAPSA’s)
- a pay scale.
If PayCheck does not provide rates for your particular situation, you can call the Fair Work Infoline on 13 13 94 or chat online with a 
Live help advisor for information on wages and conditions.
If you need help when you’re using PayCheck you can select 
for more information or see the frequently asked questions (FAQs).
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