Annual Wage Review 2026

Every year, the Fair Work Commission reviews the national minimum wage and award wages via the Annual Wage Review. This year’s decision is due within weeks.

We had been calling for a 5% increase, but have bumped that up to 6%, because inflation is going up and workers cannot afford to go backwards.

It is unacceptable that Australia’s lowest paid workers – up to three million people – have no option but to cut back on essentials like food and fuel. These workers need an above-inflation pay rise just meet everyday cost-of-living expenses.

The argument from employer groups that a wage rise will put pressure on inflation is not grounded in reality.

And don’t be fooled by their fallacy that it isn’t affordable: the big four banks could pay for this increase out of their profits single-handedly and still have billions left over to send to shareholders.

We are talking about a pay rise for hospo and retail workers, disability and healthcare workers who have the right to live a decent life with fair pay for their work.

Pay rises don’t just happen. They’re won. Are you with us?