Overview
The Fair Work Commission has finished a multi-year review into whether 5 awards undervalued work because it is mainly done by women. Final decisions and determinations have now been issued for pay rate and classification changes across all 5 awards.
The awards affected cover Aboriginal health workers, children's services (childcare) workers, health professionals and support staff including dental assistants and pathology collectors, pharmacy workers, and social, community, home care and disability services workers.
Timing of finalisation
All 5 awards have now had final decisions and determinations issued. The last two - the Health Professionals and Support Services Award and the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Award - were finalised in September 2026.
Changes are being implemented in phases over coming years. Businesses in these sectors are required to check the relevant award determination to see new classification levels and minimum pay rates.
Key actions
- If employing staff under the Pharmacy Industry Award 2020, check Determination PR786095 for finalised pay rate changes
- If employing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers, check Determination PR794316 and correction PR794888 under AM2024/22
- If running a childcare or children's services business, check the Children's Services Award 2010 Determination PR794818 and corrections PR794932 and PR796954
- If employing health professionals, dental assistants or pathology collectors, check the Health Professionals and Support Services Award determinations PR795400, PR814029 and correction PR797960 for the relevant phase of implementation
- If employing social, community, home care or disability support workers, check Decision [2026] FWCFB 232 and Determination PR814259 for the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010
- Visit the Fair Work Commission's case webpage to download the specific decision and determination documents relevant to the applicable award
This is a plain-English summary for information only, not legal or compliance advice. Always check the official source or consult a qualified professional.