Juniors being paid a supported wage get a percentage of the minimum junior hourly rate for their classification.

The minimum junior hourly rate is usually calculated by applying a percentage to the minimum hourly rate for an adult in their classification. The minimum hourly rate for an adult and the percentage that applies for juniors can be found in:

• the award that applies to their work
• the registered agreement that applies to their work, or
• the national minimum wage.

The employee’s assessed work capacity then determines what percentage of the minimum junior rate they’re paid.

Example

Alec is 17 years old and is being paid a supported wage. The minimum hourly rate for a 17 year old in his classification under his award is 60% of the minimum hourly rate for an adult.

The minimum hourly rate for an adult in Alec’s classification is $25, so the minimum junior hourly rate for a 17 year old is $15.

Alec’s work capacity has been assessed by a qualified independent assessor at 70%.

Alec gets 70% of $15 for each hour he works. Alec’s minimum hourly rate is $10.50.

If there are no Supported Wage System provisions in the award or registered agreement, an employee with disability must be paid the full minimum junior hourly rate for their classification.

For more information on paying employees a supported wage, see Employees with disability pay rates.

For more information on employing juniors, see Young workers & students.

For more information on the Supported Wage System see the JobAccess website.