Annual Wage Review 2026: Children’s Services Award updated following further Fair Work determination

The Fair Work Commission (FWC) has issued a further determination as part of the Annual Wage Review 2026, updating the Children’s Services Award 2010 ahead of the 1 July implementation of this year’s award wage changes.

The latest amendment forms part of the Supported Wage System provisions. The change is technical in nature and does not alter minimum wage rates for educators, teachers or other classifications covered by the Award. Instead, it ensures the Award’s supported wage provisions align with the Commission’s final determinations.

The variation takes effect from the first full pay period commencing on or after 1 July 2026.

Readers can also access the updated clause, the Supported Wage System provisions and the Annual Wage Review 2026 determinations via the Fair Work Commission website.

Each year, the Fair Work Commission conducts the Annual Wage Review to determine adjustments to Australia’s minimum wages and modern awards.

For 2026, the Commission awarded a 4.75 per cent increase to modern award minimum wages, with updated pay rates applying from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026.

Following publication of those determinations, the Commission has issued a further determination specific to the Children’s Services Award. The amendment to clause I.3.2 does not introduce any additional wage increases. Rather, it updates the Award’s technical provisions to ensure they accurately reflect the Commission’s final decisions and remain consistent with the operation of the Supported Wage System.

The Fair Work Commission has republished the Children's Services Award 2010, incorporating:

• the 2026 Annual Wage Review wage increases;
• updated allowances;
• the technical amendment to clause I.3.2; and
• other formatting and structural updates associated with the Award's republication.

For employers, this means the current version of the Award should now be used when determining minimum pay rates and reviewing payroll systems for the July implementation period.

Services should avoid relying on previously downloaded copies of the Award, as earlier versions may no longer reflect the Commission’s final published determinations.

With the updated Award now available, early childhood education and care providers should review their payroll systems and employment documentation before the July wage increases take effect.

Recommended steps include:

• downloading the latest version of the Children's Services Award;
• confirming payroll systems reflect the updated minimum wage rates from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026;
• reviewing supported wage arrangements where applicable to ensure they align with the updated Award provisions; and
• updating internal wage schedules, employment templates and payroll references where necessary.

While the further determination is limited in scope, it reinforces the importance of using the most current version of the Award when implementing annual wage changes and maintaining compliance with workplace obligations.