Penalty Rates and Allowances

Penalty rates and allowances are extra payments made on top of your regular wage. They are intended to make sure that you are being compensated for working at inconvenient times or under dangerous or unpleasant conditions.

There are many different reasons why you might be entitled to be paid either penalty rates, allowances, or both.

Penalty Rates

Penalty rates are extra payments that you receive on top of your regular wage. They are intended to compensate you for hours that you spend working at inconvenient times, like when you work overtime, at night, on the weekend or on a public holiday.

Penalty rates are usually calculated as a percentage of your regular wage. Terms like ‘time and a half’ are common. This means that you are being paid at 150% of your regular wage.

Exactly what rates apply to you depends on the award or agreement that covers your workplace.

Penalty rates were introduced in Australia after the union movement campaigned for them back in the 1940s. In recent years, successive governments have attacked penalty rates, doing everything they can to reduce the amount that employees get paid for working at inconvenient times.

Allowances

Allowances are special payments that you receive on top of your regular wage. They exist to make sure that you are not footing the bill for the things you need to do your job, like tools, transport or extra training.

Allowances can cover the costs of things like:

  • Tools and other equipment you need to do your job
  • Work-related travel
  • A car you use for work
  • Uniforms
  • A phone that you use at work
  • Extra training or qualifications you need for work

If you need to work in dangerous or unpleasant conditions, like at a height or in the dirt, you might also be paid an allowance.

Enter your email to access our expert workplace information

Almost two million union members have contributed to us providing this free workplace factsheet. Because you’ve read a few of our factsheets, we’re asking for your email address to keep reading. This is so we can keep you updated with the latest news and workplace advice.

Don’t worry: our factsheets will always remain free, thanks to the solidarity of the union movement.

View our Privacy Policy

Do you want some further information about Penalty Rates and Allowances?


The Australian Unions Support Centre provides free and confidential assistance and information for all workplace issues. We’re here to provide support, regardless of your job or industry.

All Support Centre enquiries are 100% confidential.

Contact Australian Unions

Ready to join a union?


The best way to make sure your rights at work are protected is to join a union.

Join your union