The Fair Work Commission has handed down its 2026 Annual Wage Review decision, confirming a 4.75% increase to modern award minimum wages, effective from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026. At the same time, the National Minimum Wage will increase to $26.44 per hour (or $1,004.90 per week), reflecting a larger uplift (6%) for the lowest-paid workers.

This case highlights the importance of clear contractual rights to require independent medical examinations (IMEs). While employers often assume they can request further medical information where fitness for work is unclear, the Moers Case shows that this assumption can be risky unless the employment contract expressly permits it.

Under Australian work health and safety (WHS) laws, employers must provide a safe work environment so far as is reasonably practicable. This obligation is imposed by every state and territory’s WHS legislation and requires businesses to protect employees from all foreseeable hazards.

Australia’s Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) reporting requirements have sharpened this year, with new measures that affect organisations of all sizes. For employers with 100+ staff, annual WGEA reporting remains mandatory – but 2026 brings significant changes in transparency and compliance that every employer should note.

We know HR emails can make anyone nervous — but ours are here to help. At Flawless HR, we keep things simple and only reach out when there are key compliance updates you need to know. Here’s a quick summary of the latest employment law changes on our radar.