On 17 October 2023, the IRC approved a variation to the Crown Employees Wages Staff (Rates of Pay) Award 2022 providing increases to wages and wage related allowances of 4 per cent for one year from the commencement of the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2023.

Agencies should process the adjustments to wages and allowances in accordance with the attached schedule for employees who were employed from the beginning of the first full pay period commencing on or after 1 July 2023.  See the attachment to this circular - Crown Employees Wages Staff (Rates of Pay) Award 2022.

Method of Adjustment

Wages - annual rates

Annual wage rates are rounded to the nearest dollar, with figures less than 50 cents going to the lower amount, and with figures 50 cents or more going to the higher amount.

Wages - weekly rates

Weekly wage rates are rounded to the nearest 10 cents, with figures less than 5 cents going to the lower amount, and figures of 5 cents or more going to the higher amount. Junior rates expressed as a percentage of an adult rate retain their percentage relative to the adult rate. Junior rates other than those calculated on a percentage basis are increased by 4 per cent.

Allowances

Wage related allowances (such as a first aid allowance) are increased by 4 per cent.

 Expense related allowances (such as meal and travel allowances) are in accordance with the Australian Taxation Officer Determination No. TD 2023/3, which sets out the reasonable allowance amounts for the 2023-2024 financial year, or otherwise have been adjusted in accordance with the changes in the Sydney Consumer Price Index (CPI) March Quarter 2023.  Vehicle allowances are also in line with published Australian Taxation Office rates.

Weekly allowance rates are rounded to the nearest 10 cents, with figures less than 5 cents going to the lower amount, and figures of 5 cents or more going to the higher amount. Daily, hourly and per shift allowances are rounded to the nearest cent.

Part-time and casual employees

Where an award, agreement or determination specifies the method or formula for calculating part-time or casual rates, agencies should adjust the part-time or casual rate according to the formula. Otherwise, the existing rate should be increased by 4 per cent.

Employees receiving salary maintenance

Employees who are receiving salary maintenance against a wage rate subject to adjustment are to have their wages adjusted in accordance with the above directions.

Simon Draper

Secretary