Key Workplace Relations Changes for 2025

A Caday Workplace Relations Guide

📌 What Employers Need to Know for the Year Ahead

A number of important workplace relations changes took effect in 2025, impacting wages, superannuation, parental leave, and employee rights.

💰 Minimum Wage Increase — Effective 1 July 2025

From 1 July 2025, the National Minimum Wage and minimum award wages increased by 3.5%.

The new National Minimum Wage is:

• $948 per week, or

• $24.95 per hour

This rate applies to employees not covered by an award or enterprise agreement. Most employees are covered by an award, and those award rates also increased proportionately — including junior, apprentice, and supported wages.

🧪 Pharmacy Award — Updated Pay Rates

From the first full pay period on or after 30 June 2025, new minimum pay rates under the Pharmacy Award came into effect.

Employers in the pharmacy sector should ensure payroll systems and employment contracts reflect the updated rates.

🏦 Superannuation Guarantee Increase

From 1 July 2025, the superannuation guarantee increased to 12%.

This applies to all eligible employees. The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) can provide further information.

👶 Changes to Parental Leave Pay

From 1 July 2025, eligible employees can now access up to 24 weeks of Parental Leave Pay.

This is in addition to any employer-funded paid parental leave. Further information can be found by contacting Services Australia.

📵 Right to Disconnect — Now Applies to Small Business

The right to disconnect took effect for small business employers on 26 August 2025. It has applied to non‑small business employers since 26 August 2024.

Employees now have the right to refuse to monitor, read, or respond to contact (or attempted contact) outside their working hours, unless doing so would be unreasonable. This includes contact from:

• Employers

• Colleagues

• Clients or other third parties

This reform aims to support healthier work–life boundaries and reduce after‑hours pressure.

✔️ Final Thoughts

Contact Caday Workplace Relations for any assistance with reviewing your payroll, policies, and employment contracts to ensure compliance with the 2025 updates.