31/03/2026
The Fair Work Commission has handed down a landmark decision on junior rates, meaning young Australian workers aged 18 to 20 will soon receive adult wages.
The decision follows a long-running campaign for "adult age, adult wage" run by the Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees Association, who also pushed to lift pay rates of 16 and 17-year-olds.
The discounted rates in the retail, fast food and pharmacy awards are expected to be phased out over the next four years.