Pay & Conditions

Paying people correctly is both a legal obligation and central to attracting and keeping good employees.

This section covers how to build a pay package, find the right rates, apply the correct award, and meet minimum standards.

Choose a topic below

National Employment Standards

The minimum entitlements that apply to all national system employees. Includes: Minimum entitlements, Natural disaster entitlements, and Termination.

Packages

Building a fair remuneration package, and the pay, benefits and agreements that make it up. Includes: Pay rates, Awards, and Accommodation.

Common questions

What must a dairy employer pay?
At a minimum, the rate for the employee's classification under the applicable award — usually the Pastoral Award 2020, or the relevant state minimum in Western Australia — plus superannuation and any allowances that apply.
Where do I find current pay rates?
Use the Fair Work Ombudsman's Pay Calculator, or download the current Pastoral Award pay guide. Both are updated each 1 July after the Annual Wage Review.
What are the National Employment Standards?
The National Employment Standards are minimum entitlements that apply to all national system employees, regardless of the award or agreement that covers them.