Allowances · MA000027

Health Professionals Award Allowances Guide

1 Jul 2026 Updated 1 Jul 2026 By Fitz HR 4 min read Reviewed against FWO Pay Guide MA000027

Allowances in private health are easy to overlook — uniforms, tools, first aid and more. The Health Professionals Award MA000027 requires them to be paid when triggered. Here are the common ones for 2026.

Under MA000027, common allowances include a uniform allowance of $1.26 per shift where the employer requires a uniform but does not launder it, and a range of role-specific allowances. Allowances are paid on top of the base rate whenever the trigger condition is met — not absorbed into the hourly rate or a salary unless the arrangement expressly and adequately covers them.

Rates current as at 2026-07-01 (Annual Wage Review), sourced from the Fair Work Ombudsman Pay Guide MA000027. Next review 2027-07-01.

Common Allowances — Health

Uniform allowance: $1.26 per shift (uniform required, not laundered)
Plus first-aid, tool and role-specific allowances where they apply
Paid on top of the base rate whenever triggered

Common Allowances and Amounts

These allowances apply most often. Each is paid when its trigger condition is met, on top of the ordinary rate.

AllowanceAmountUnit
Heat allowance (temperature 40°C-46°C, employed at current workplace before 8 Aug 1991)$0.61per hour
Heat allowance (temperature exceeds 46°C, employed at current workplace before 8 Aug 1991)$0.73per hour
Laundry allowance$0.33per shift
Meal allowance$17.30per meal
Nauseous work allowance (not linen sealed in airtight containers)$0.61per hour
Occasional interpreting allowance$1.34per occasion
On call allowance (Monday to Saturday)$26.34per 24-hour period
On call allowance (Sunday & public holiday)$52.56per 24-hour period
Tool allowance (chefs and cooks)$13.41per week
Uniform allowance$1.26per shift

How Allowances Interact with Salaries

An annualised salary only "covers" allowances if the written arrangement expressly absorbs them and the salary demonstrably exceeds base plus every triggered allowance. Otherwise, allowances must be paid separately — see our annualised wage guide.

Common Mistakes That Trigger Audits

✗
Assuming a salary covers allowances. Only if expressly absorbed and adequately funded — otherwise pay them separately.
✗
Forgetting the uniform allowance. Where a uniform is required but not laundered by the employer, the allowance applies.
✗
Missing first-aid allowances. Employees who hold and use a first-aid qualification at the employer’s request are owed the allowance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the uniform allowance under the Health Professionals Award?
$1.26 per shift where the employer requires a uniform but does not launder it, under MA000027.
Are allowances covered by an annualised salary?
Only if the written annualised wage arrangement expressly absorbs them and the salary exceeds base plus every triggered allowance. Otherwise they are paid separately.
Where can I see all Health Professionals Award allowances?
The full list is on the Health Professionals Award pay rates page, or ask Fitz for the exact figure and trigger.
Is the first-aid allowance payable to health staff?
Yes — where an employee holds a current first-aid qualification and is required to use it, the first-aid allowance applies.

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Health Professionals Award Allowances Guide — FAQ

What is the uniform allowance under the Health Professionals Award? $1.26 per shift where the employer requires a uniform but does not launder it, under MA000027.

Are allowances covered by an annualised salary? Only if the written annualised wage arrangement expressly absorbs them and the salary exceeds base plus every triggered allowance. Otherwise they are paid separately.

Where can I see all Health Professionals Award allowances? The full list is on the Health Professionals Award pay rates page, or ask Fitz for the exact figure and trigger.

Is the first-aid allowance payable to health staff? Yes — where an employee holds a current first-aid qualification and is required to use it, the first-aid allowance applies.