Wage rise boosts millions of workers

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Australia's minimum-wage workers will take home more money from today after another increase to start the new financial year.

The 3.75 per cent increase lifts the national minimum wage from $882.80 a week to $915.90 a week, or $24.10 an hour, up from $23.23 an hour.

Casual employees entitled to the national minimum wage must receive a minimum $30.13 per hour, which includes 25 per cent casual loading.

The increase must be applied to eligible employees' remuneration from the first full pay period starting on or after today.

Fair Work Ombudsman Anna Booth urged employers to check whether the 3.75 per cent increase applies to their employees and ensure they are paying workers correctly.

"Employers must pay their employees the correct wages," she said.

"Employers and employees can use our free Pay Calculator and pay guides to check the lawful minimum pay rates applying from today, or contact us directly for assistance."

Employers who fail to pay workers properly could potentially face court-ordered penalties, as well as the need to back-pay employees.

"Employees can use our Find my award tool if they are unsure which award applies to them, or contact us for help," Booth said.

The increase may apply to employees covered by a registered agreement, as the base pay rate in a registered agreement can't be less than the base pay rate in the relevant award.

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