On 16 April 2025, the Fair Work Commission (the Commission) published its first and long-awaited decision in its Gender Undervaluation – Priority Awards Review.
The decision signals that major changes are to be made to the following awards:
Those changes include significant increases to award minimum rates and changes to the classification structure and definitions. Whilst some of the changes are concrete, the overwhelming majority will be subject to further scrutiny via a series of conferences and, if necessary, further hearings with the interested parties.
Australian Business Lawyers & Advisors (ABLA) will be continuing to appear and participate in the proceedings on behalf of multiple employer interests including Business NSW, Australian Business Industrial, Australian Childcare Alliance, Ageing Australia, and National Disability Services.
The fact that the Commission has set out numerous “provisional views” provides businesses in the impacted sectors with a pivotal and time-sensitive opportunity to speak up about the proposed changes and, if necessary, advocate for a modified approach.
To help businesses get a grasp on the potential changes, we have prepared a series of articles setting out the findings and provisional views of the Commission - you can read our articles concerning the Children’s Services Award, SCHADS Award, and Health Professional and Support Services Award now.
For those wondering how this all came about – we’ve also prepared an article setting out some additional background to the proceedings.
Businesses covered by the above awards are encouraged to let us know your thoughts and reactions to the proposed changes.
Should any ABLA clients or members of the identified employer associations wish to provide any feedback regarding the provisional views of the Commission, please feel free to contact us at info@ablawyers.com.au or 1300 565 846.
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