There are several industry changes coming on 1 July that should be on your radar. If not, the clock is ticking – and now is the time to make sure you’re prepared.
Wage circulars
The Fair Work Commission (FWC) handed down its Annual Wage Review on 2 June 2026. The national minimum wage will increase by 6 per cent, and modern award wages will increase by 4.75 per cent from 1 July 2026. This means the national minimum wage will be $1,004.90 per 38-hour week, or $26.44 per hour.
Our 2026 wage circulars are now available to download. Take a look.
Pay day super
From the beginning of the new financial year, employers must pay an employee’s superannuation contribution at the same time they are paid. Previously, super could be paid quarterly.
Find out what qualifying earnings are, when super needs to be paid to be considered on time, and how to pay super, in this expert article from our Senior Advisor – Workplace Relations, Desari Lynam.
Fuel excise
The federal government has announced its winding back its 50 per cent discount to the fuel excise. Between 1 July and 2 August, the current 32c/L discount will drop to 16c/L. The heavy vehicle road user charge, which has been free since April, will go back up to 16c/L, down from the usual 32.4c/L. Further announcements are expected.
If your suppliers are trying to pass on increased costs, we continue to encourage you to ask for evidence to justify this (such as freight, raw materials, or energy costs). Ask for an explanation of their calculations, and work with those who are transparent about their pricing. Our supply price increase checklist contains some handy hints.
Penalty unit increases
The value of penalty units for fines will be increasing to $172.70 from 1 July.
This is an increase of 3.5 per cent, as announced in the Penalties and Sentences (Penalty Unit Value) Amendment Regulation 2026 on 22 May 2026.
For any questions, contact Master Builders Members Legal on 1300 30 50 10.
Cross-border work changes – NSW Design & Building Practitioners Act 2020 (DBPA)
If you’re a building or design practitioner working on Class 2 projects, or doing certain remedial work like repairs, alterations and renovations on Class 3 or 9c buildings, you’ll need adequate Professional Indemnity insurance to maintain your Practitioners registration.
If you need assistance, call Master Builders Insurance Services on 1300 13 13 26.