If you’re an office worker, bank employee, insurance worker, finance professional, medical receptionist or administrative support worker, there are some important workplace changes taking effect from 1 July that could directly benefit you.

For members covered by the Clerks Private Sector Award, the Banking, Finance and Insurance Award, and the Health Professionals and Support Services Award, these changes represent another step forward in improving wages, workplace rights and retirement security.

Most importantly, these improvements are a reminder that workplace gains are achieved when workers stand together through their union and demand better.

A Pay Rise for Award-Covered Workers

From 1 July, the Fair Work Commission’s Annual Wage Review will deliver a 4.75% increase to all modern award minimum rates.

For members covered by the Clerks Private Sector Award, this means higher minimum rates for workers in administration, customer service, payroll, accounts, reception, records management and a wide range of office-based roles.

For members covered by the Banking, Finance and Insurance Award, the increase will lift minimum rates across banking, financial services and insurance workplaces.

For medical receptionists and administrative support workers covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award, the increase provides a welcome boost to wages in recognition of the vital work performed every day supporting patients, healthcare professionals and communities.

These award increases establish the safety net that protects workers across the economy and provide an important foundation for unions negotiating even better wages and conditions through enterprise agreements.

At the same time, the National Minimum Wage will increase by 6%, rising to $1,004.90 per week or $26.44 per hour.

Payday Super Arrives

One of the most significant reforms taking effect this year is Payday Super.

From 1 July, employers will be required to pay superannuation contributions within seven calendar days of paying wages and salaries.

For years, workers have lost out when employers delayed super payments for months at a time. While the super guarantee rate remains at 12%, contributions will now reach workers’ accounts sooner, allowing retirement savings to start earning investment returns earlier.

For younger workers in particular, this change can make a substantial difference to retirement balances over the course of a career.

It will also make it easier to identify unpaid super and hold employers accountable when they fail to meet their obligations.

Union Members Make These Wins Possible

Whether it’s higher award wages, stronger dismissal protections, improved superannuation laws or safer workplaces, progress does not happen on its own.

Every submission made to the Fair Work Commission, every workplace campaign, every bargaining claim and every new member strengthens the collective voice of workers.

The wage increases that benefit clerical workers, bank employees, finance professionals, insurance workers, medical receptionists and administrative support staff are the result of that collective effort.

These improvements are a reminder of a simple truth: when workers stand together in their union, they have the power to improve wages, strengthen rights and create a fairer future for everyone.

If you have any questions about changes to your ward or superannuation contact YOUR UNION the United Services Union.