A further wage change for parts of Australia’s care workforce took effect on 1 August 2026.
The Fair Work Ombudsman says minimum pay rates increased for eligible employees working in aged care under the Nurses Award, including certain registered nurses and enrolled nurses. The change follows the Fair Work Commission’s work-value decisions affecting care-sector classifications and rates.
This is particularly relevant to the Nepali community because nursing and aged care are major employment sectors for migrants and international graduates in Australia.
Not every nurse will receive the same increase. Actual pay depends on classification, experience, whether the worker is covered by the Nurses Award or an enterprise agreement, and the employer’s arrangements. An employee already being paid above the new award minimum may also see a different practical effect.
Workers should check their classification and current rate rather than comparing only with a friend or colleague. The Fair Work Ombudsman publishes updated pay guides and provides the Pay and Conditions Tool for checking minimum entitlements.
If an employer’s pay rate is below the legal minimum, workers can seek information from Fair Work regardless of nationality or visa status.