Overview
Several unions have applied to the Fair Work Commission to increase vehicle allowances across more than 40 modern awards. Four cases have been joined under the references AM2026/10, AM2026/11, AM2026/12 and AM2026/13. All applications are made under section 158 of the Fair Work Act 2009.
What each case covers
- AM2026/10 - 27 awards, filed by the Health Services Union, Transport Workers Union, Australian Workers' Union, Shop Distributive and Allied Employees Association, United Workers' Union and Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation, supported by the ACTU.
- AM2026/11 - the Fire Fighting Industry Award 2020, filed by the United Firefighters' Union.
- AM2026/12 - 12 awards, filed by the United Workers' Union.
- AM2026/13 - the Manufacturing and Associated Industries and Occupations Award 2020 and the Vehicle Repair, Services and Retail Award 2020, filed by the Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union.
Current status
The Commission is in the active hearing and submissions stage. A hearing was held on 18 May 2026. Further submissions were filed by multiple parties through 29 May 2026. Draft determinations covering 41 modern awards have been circulated. No final decision has been made yet.
If these applications succeed, the vehicle allowance rates in the affected awards will change, which will directly affect what employers must pay workers who use their own vehicles for work.
Key actions
- Check whether any awards that cover your workers appear in the 41 modern awards for which draft determinations have been circulated. The ACTU filed correspondence and draft determinations for 41 awards on 20 May 2026, available at fwc.gov.au on the case page.
- Subscribe to case updates at fwc.gov.au so you are notified when a decision is made - search for 'Vehicle allowances AM2026/10' and use the subscribe function on the case page.
- To make a submission or send an enquiry, email awards@fwc.gov.au and quote the relevant case number (AM2026/10, AM2026/11, AM2026/12 or AM2026/13).
- Once a final decision is issued, review the new vehicle allowance rates for any awards covering your workers and update payroll accordingly.
This is a plain-English summary for information only, not legal or compliance advice. Always check the official source or consult a qualified professional.