Australian Working Conditions and Wages

Australian working conditions are often considered some of the best in the world. Contributing to these high standards is the fact that Australian industrial relations are characterized by high union membership numbers and a federally driven, but state controlled, mandatory arbitration and conciliation system.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the average weekly total earnings of workers living in Australia averaged A$918.80.

 
AVERAGE WAGES (WEEKLY) BY STATE

• Australian Capital Territory     $1,130.50
• New South Wales                  $916.10
• Northern Territory                 $956.60
• South Australia                     $856.30
• Tasmania                             $790.00
• Victoria                                $900.30
• Western Australia                 $1045.50
• Queensland                          $889.90

(Source: ABS)

Australian working conditions are regulated by federal legislation, workplace agreements, awards and contracts. The Australian Fair Pay and Conditions Standard protects the minimum wage, maximum work hours and minimum leave entitlements of all employees in Australia.