https://fitzhr.com/blog/ Award rates, Fair Work compliance and practical HR guidance for Australian employers — grounded in your modern award, not a generic template. en-AU Fri, 31 Jul 2026 03:03:07 GMT 1440 https://fitzhr.com/blog/hr-software-cost-small-business-australia https://fitzhr.com/blog/hr-software-cost-small-business-australia Mon, 27 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT What HR software really costs an Australian small business in 2026 — per-employee vs flat pricing compared for a 15-person team, with published prices. https://fitzhr.com/blog/childrens-services-award-broken-shift-allowance https://fitzhr.com/blog/childrens-services-award-broken-shift-allowance Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT Children's Services Award MA000120 broken shift allowance — the $21.38 per day rate, common in OSHC, and how minimum engagement applies. https://fitzhr.com/blog/childrens-services-award-casual-conversion-rules-australia https://fitzhr.com/blog/childrens-services-award-casual-conversion-rules-australia Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT Children's Services Award MA000120 casual conversion — the employee-initiated rules since 26 Feb 2025, eligibility, the 21-day response and what changes. https://fitzhr.com/blog/childrens-services-award-educational-leader-allowance https://fitzhr.com/blog/childrens-services-award-educational-leader-allowance Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT Children's Services Award MA000120 educational leader allowance — the $4,784.28 per year rate, when it applies and how it is pro-rated. https://fitzhr.com/blog/childrens-services-award-penalty-rates https://fitzhr.com/blog/childrens-services-award-penalty-rates Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT Children's Services Award MA000120 penalty rates — Saturday, Sunday and public holiday rates for full-time, part-time & casual staff, plus shift loadings. https://fitzhr.com/blog/childrens-services-award-rates-2026 https://fitzhr.com/blog/childrens-services-award-rates-2026 Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT Children's Services Award MA000120 pay rates 2026 — educator and director rates, weekend penalties, shift loadings and the educational leader allowance. https://fitzhr.com/blog/health-professionals-award-allowances-guide https://fitzhr.com/blog/health-professionals-award-allowances-guide Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT Health Professionals Award MA000027 allowances 2026 — uniform, tool and other common allowances, what triggers them and the current amounts. https://fitzhr.com/blog/health-professionals-award-annualised-wage-arrangements https://fitzhr.com/blog/health-professionals-award-annualised-wage-arrangements Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT Annualised wage arrangements under the Health Professionals Award MA000027 — eligibility, outer-limit hours, the annual reconciliation and record-keeping. https://fitzhr.com/blog/health-professionals-award-casual-conversion-rules-australia https://fitzhr.com/blog/health-professionals-award-casual-conversion-rules-australia Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT Health Professionals Award MA000027 casual conversion — the employee-initiated rules since 26 Feb 2025, eligibility, the 21-day response and what changes. https://fitzhr.com/blog/health-professionals-award-rates-2026 https://fitzhr.com/blog/health-professionals-award-rates-2026 Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT Health Professionals Award MA000027 pay rates 2026 — stream and level rates, weekend penalties, shift and casual loading and minimum engagement. https://fitzhr.com/blog/health-professionals-award-weekend-penalty-rates https://fitzhr.com/blog/health-professionals-award-weekend-penalty-rates Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT Health Professionals Award MA000027 penalty rates — Saturday, Sunday and public holiday rates for full-time, part-time and casual staff, plus overtime. https://fitzhr.com/blog/manufacturing-award-allowances-guide https://fitzhr.com/blog/manufacturing-award-allowances-guide Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT Manufacturing Award MA000010 allowances 2026 — the tool allowance, meal allowance and other common allowances, what triggers them, and the current amounts. https://fitzhr.com/blog/manufacturing-award-casual-conversion-rules-australia https://fitzhr.com/blog/manufacturing-award-casual-conversion-rules-australia Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT Manufacturing Award MA000010 casual conversion — the employee-initiated rules since 26 Feb 2025, eligibility, the 21-day response and what changes. https://fitzhr.com/blog/manufacturing-award-overtime-rules https://fitzhr.com/blog/manufacturing-award-overtime-rules Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT Manufacturing Award MA000010 overtime 2026 — 150% for the first 3 hours then 200%, Sunday overtime, the overtime triggers and rest-break rules. https://fitzhr.com/blog/manufacturing-award-rates-2026 https://fitzhr.com/blog/manufacturing-award-rates-2026 Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT Manufacturing Award MA000010 pay rates 2026 — the C14–C-level structure, hourly rates, weekend and shift penalties, overtime and casual loading. https://fitzhr.com/blog/manufacturing-award-shift-loadings-afternoon-night https://fitzhr.com/blog/manufacturing-award-shift-loadings-afternoon-night Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT Manufacturing Award MA000010 shift loadings — the 15% afternoon and night loading, the 30% permanent night rate, and how they interact with penalties. https://fitzhr.com/blog/retail-award-casual-conversion-rules-australia https://fitzhr.com/blog/retail-award-casual-conversion-rules-australia Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT Retail Award MA000004 casual conversion — the employee-initiated rules since 26 Feb 2025, eligibility, the 21-day response and what changes. https://fitzhr.com/blog/retail-award-evening-loading-explained https://fitzhr.com/blog/retail-award-evening-loading-explained Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT How the Retail Award MA000004 evening loading works — the 25% on ordinary hours after 6pm Mon–Fri, when it applies, and the common mistakes. https://fitzhr.com/blog/retail-award-minimum-engagement-rules https://fitzhr.com/blog/retail-award-minimum-engagement-rules Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT Retail Award MA000004 minimum engagement — part-time and casual retail staff must be paid for at least 3 hours per shift. Rostering rules explained. https://fitzhr.com/blog/retail-award-penalty-rates-sunday-public-holiday https://fitzhr.com/blog/retail-award-penalty-rates-sunday-public-holiday Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT Retail Award MA000004 penalty rates 2026 — Saturday, Sunday and public holiday rates for full-time, part-time and casual staff, with worked examples. https://fitzhr.com/blog/retail-award-rates-2026 https://fitzhr.com/blog/retail-award-rates-2026 Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT Retail Award MA000004 pay rates 2026 — Retail Employee Level 1–8 hourly rates, weekend and public holiday penalties, casual loading and evening loading. https://fitzhr.com/blog/schads-award-broken-shift-rules https://fitzhr.com/blog/schads-award-broken-shift-rules Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT SCHADS Award MA000100 broken shifts 2026 — the $21.81 / $28.87 broken shift allowance, the maximum unpaid breaks, and the minimum engagement rules. https://fitzhr.com/blog/schads-award-casual-conversion-rules-australia https://fitzhr.com/blog/schads-award-casual-conversion-rules-australia Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT SCHADS Award MA000100 casual conversion — the employee-initiated rules since 26 Feb 2025, eligibility, the 21-day response and what changes. https://fitzhr.com/blog/schads-award-penalty-rates-weekend-public-holiday https://fitzhr.com/blog/schads-award-penalty-rates-weekend-public-holiday Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT SCHADS Award MA000100 penalty rates — Saturday, Sunday and public holiday rates for full-time, part-time and casual staff, plus shift loadings. https://fitzhr.com/blog/schads-award-rates-2026 https://fitzhr.com/blog/schads-award-rates-2026 Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT SCHADS Award MA000100 pay rates 2026 — social, community and home care rates, weekend and public holiday penalties, casual and shift loadings. https://fitzhr.com/blog/schads-award-sleepover-allowance-explained https://fitzhr.com/blog/schads-award-sleepover-allowance-explained Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT The SCHADS Award MA000100 sleepover allowance 2026 — the $62.87 per night rate, what counts as a sleepover, and how active work during a sleepover is paid. https://fitzhr.com/blog/childrens-services-award-minimum-wage-increase-2026 https://fitzhr.com/blog/childrens-services-award-minimum-wage-increase-2026 Tue, 02 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT Fair Work lifts MA000120 award minimums 4.75% from 1 July 2026 — what it means for children's services employers, new rates and a pre-1-July checklist. https://fitzhr.com/blog/health-professionals-award-minimum-wage-increase-2026 https://fitzhr.com/blog/health-professionals-award-minimum-wage-increase-2026 Tue, 02 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT Fair Work lifts MA000027 award minimums 4.75% from 1 July 2026 — what it means for health practice employers, new rates and a pre-1-July checklist. https://fitzhr.com/blog/manufacturing-award-minimum-wage-increase-2026 https://fitzhr.com/blog/manufacturing-award-minimum-wage-increase-2026 Tue, 02 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT Fair Work lifts MA000010 award minimums 4.75% from 1 July 2026 — what it means for manufacturing employers, new rates and a pre-1-July checklist. https://fitzhr.com/blog/minimum-wage-increase-2026 https://fitzhr.com/blog/minimum-wage-increase-2026 Tue, 02 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT Fair Work's 2026 wage review lifts award minimums 4.75% from 1 July 2026 — what it means for hospitality & restaurant employers, plus a pre-1-July checklist. https://fitzhr.com/blog/retail-award-minimum-wage-increase-2026 https://fitzhr.com/blog/retail-award-minimum-wage-increase-2026 Tue, 02 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT Fair Work lifts MA000004 award minimums 4.75% from 1 July 2026 — what it means for retail employers, new rates and a pre-1-July checklist. https://fitzhr.com/blog/schads-award-minimum-wage-increase-2026 https://fitzhr.com/blog/schads-award-minimum-wage-increase-2026 Tue, 02 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT Fair Work lifts MA000100 award minimums 4.75% from 1 July 2026 — what it means for community services employers, new rates and a pre-1-July checklist. https://fitzhr.com/blog/annual-leave-loading-cashing-out-hospitality-restaurant-award https://fitzhr.com/blog/annual-leave-loading-cashing-out-hospitality-restaurant-award Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT The 17.5% annual leave loading under MA000009 and MA000119, plus NES cashing-out rules — eligibility, the 4-week balance rule, and termination treatment. https://fitzhr.com/blog/annualised-wage-arrangements-restaurant-award-australia https://fitzhr.com/blog/annualised-wage-arrangements-restaurant-award-australia Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT MA000119 annualised wage explained — Clause 20, the 25% loading, the 18/12 outer limits, the 12-month reconciliation, and record-keeping rules in 2026. https://fitzhr.com/blog/how-to-calculate-back-pay-underpaid-staff-australia https://fitzhr.com/blog/how-to-calculate-back-pay-underpaid-staff-australia Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT Step-by-step guide to calculating back-pay for underpaid hospitality staff — Award gap analysis, 6-year limitation, interest, super, and FWO remediation. https://fitzhr.com/blog/probation-periods-hospitality-australia https://fitzhr.com/blog/probation-periods-hospitality-australia Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT Probation periods in Australian hospitality — contractual probation vs the Minimum Employment Period (s383), and the protections that still apply. https://fitzhr.com/blog/public-holiday-pay-rules-hospitality-award-australia https://fitzhr.com/blog/public-holiday-pay-rules-hospitality-award-australia Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT MA000009 public holiday pay 2026 — 225% and 250% rates, the substitute day option, right-to-refuse, and penalty calculations for pubs and hotels. https://fitzhr.com/blog/public-holiday-pay-rules-restaurant-award-australia https://fitzhr.com/blog/public-holiday-pay-rules-restaurant-award-australia Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT MA000119 public holiday penalty rates 2026 — 225% and 250% rates, the substitute day option, Christmas-on-weekend rule, and 4-hour minimum engagement. https://fitzhr.com/blog/stand-down-vs-termination-hospitality-australia https://fitzhr.com/blog/stand-down-vs-termination-hospitality-australia Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT Stand-down vs termination under the Fair Work Act — when s524 applies, the 3 lawful grounds, why a downturn isn't enough, and how it differs from redundancy. https://fitzhr.com/blog/hospitality-award-vs-restaurant-award-difference https://fitzhr.com/blog/hospitality-award-vs-restaurant-award-difference Wed, 29 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT Compare the Hospitality Award (MA000009) and Restaurant Award (MA000119) in Australia. Coverage, penalty rates, minimum engagements & which Award applies. https://fitzhr.com/blog/can-i-change-staff-roster-last-minute-restaurant https://fitzhr.com/blog/can-i-change-staff-roster-last-minute-restaurant Wed, 15 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT Restaurant Award MA000119 roster change rules — the 7-day notice requirement, mutual agreement, RDO changes, and the consultation obligation in 2026. https://fitzhr.com/blog/casual-conversion-rules-restaurant-award-australia https://fitzhr.com/blog/casual-conversion-rules-restaurant-award-australia Wed, 15 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT MA000119 casual conversion rules 2026 — employee-initiated framework, 6-month threshold, employer response obligations, and CEIS. https://fitzhr.com/blog/restaurant-award-break-entitlements-shift-length https://fitzhr.com/blog/restaurant-award-break-entitlements-shift-length Wed, 15 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT MA000119 break entitlements 2026 — meal breaks, rest breaks, delayed meal break penalty, and shift-length thresholds for cafes and restaurants. https://fitzhr.com/blog/restaurant-award-rates-2026 https://fitzhr.com/blog/restaurant-award-rates-2026 Wed, 15 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT MA000119 pay rates 2026 — adult, junior, casual, and apprentice rates by classification level, plus penalties, loadings, and overtime. https://fitzhr.com/blog/split-shift-rules-restaurant-award-australia https://fitzhr.com/blog/split-shift-rules-restaurant-award-australia Wed, 15 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT Restaurant Award MA000119 split shift allowance, maximum spread of hours, and minimum engagement rules for full-time, part-time, and casual employees in 2026. https://fitzhr.com/blog/what-happens-if-you-underpay-staff-restaurant-australia https://fitzhr.com/blog/what-happens-if-you-underpay-staff-restaurant-australia Wed, 15 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT Restaurant underpayment 2026 — civil penalties up to $4.95M, criminal wage theft jail terms, and director liability under the Fair Work Act. https://fitzhr.com/blog/how-to-handle-staff-complaint-hospitality https://fitzhr.com/blog/how-to-handle-staff-complaint-hospitality Fri, 10 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT A staff complaint — whether about harassment, unfair treatment, discrimination, or workplace conflict — is one of the most legally sensiti https://fitzhr.com/blog/serious-misconduct-hospitality-australia https://fitzhr.com/blog/serious-misconduct-hospitality-australia Fri, 10 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT Serious misconduct is the only basis in Australian employment law that allows immediate dismissal without prior warnings. But “serious misconduc https://fitzhr.com/blog/can-i-stop-rostering-casual-employee-australia https://fitzhr.com/blog/can-i-stop-rostering-casual-employee-australia Thu, 09 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT Can you just stop rostering a casual employee in Australia? The answer depends on how long they've worked and their roster pattern. https://fitzhr.com/blog/fair-work-fines-hospitality-australia https://fitzhr.com/blog/fair-work-fines-hospitality-australia Thu, 09 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT Real Fair Work penalty figures for Australian hospitality venues. Covers underpayment fines, record-keeping penalties, and wage theft criminal liability. https://fitzhr.com/blog/firing-during-probation-australia https://fitzhr.com/blog/firing-during-probation-australia Thu, 09 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT What probation actually means in Australian employment law, when you can terminate during probation, and how to protect your venue. https://fitzhr.com/blog/how-long-does-a-warning-last-australia https://fitzhr.com/blog/how-long-does-a-warning-last-australia Thu, 09 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT How long does a formal warning stay active in Australian employment law? What the Fair Work Commission actually looks for when assessing warning sequences. https://fitzhr.com/blog/performance-improvement-plan-template-australia-hospitality https://fitzhr.com/blog/performance-improvement-plan-template-australia-hospitality Thu, 09 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT Free performance improvement plan template for Australian hospitality venues. Covers required elements, timeframes, and how a PIP protects you at Fair Work. https://fitzhr.com/blog/unfair-dismissal-cost-australia-hospitality https://fitzhr.com/blog/unfair-dismissal-cost-australia-hospitality Thu, 09 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT Real numbers on unfair dismissal costs for Australian hospitality. Compensation caps, legal fees, settlement figures, and how to avoid a claim. https://fitzhr.com/blog/can-i-change-staff-roster-last-minute-hospitality https://fitzhr.com/blog/can-i-change-staff-roster-last-minute-hospitality Tue, 07 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT Can you change a roster last minute in Australia or must you give notice? Find out what the Hospitality Award says, when it's lawful, and what you must pay. https://fitzhr.com/blog/can-i-fire-someone-on-the-spot-australia https://fitzhr.com/blog/can-i-fire-someone-on-the-spot-australia Tue, 07 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT Can you instantly dismiss an employee in Australia? When summary dismissal is lawful, when it creates a claim, and what to do to protect your venue. https://fitzhr.com/blog/do-i-have-to-give-warning-before-firing-australia https://fitzhr.com/blog/do-i-have-to-give-warning-before-firing-australia Tue, 07 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT Do you need to warn an employee before firing them in Australia? What Fair Work actually requires — and when exceptions apply. https://fitzhr.com/blog/what-happens-if-you-underpay-staff-australia https://fitzhr.com/blog/what-happens-if-you-underpay-staff-australia Tue, 07 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT What happens if you underpay staff in Australia — and how serious is it? Back-pay, fines, criminal charges. Here's what hospitality venue owners need to know. https://fitzhr.com/blog/what-happens-when-employee-threatens-fair-work https://fitzhr.com/blog/what-happens-when-employee-threatens-fair-work Tue, 07 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT An employee is threatening to go to Fair Work Australia. Don't panic. Here's exactly what to do, what not to say, and how to protect your venue right now. https://fitzhr.com/blog/split-shift-rules-hospitality-award-australia https://fitzhr.com/blog/split-shift-rules-hospitality-award-australia Mon, 23 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT Complete guide to split shift rules under the Hospitality Award. Covers allowances, spread of hours, minimum engagement, and common mistakes venues make. https://fitzhr.com/blog/how-to-handle-workplace-bullying-complaint-hospitality https://fitzhr.com/blog/how-to-handle-workplace-bullying-complaint-hospitality Sun, 22 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT How to respond to workplace bullying complaints in hospitality. Covers Fair Work obligations, WHS laws, investigation steps, documentation, and penalties. https://fitzhr.com/blog/procedural-fairness-australian-employment-law-hospitality https://fitzhr.com/blog/procedural-fairness-australian-employment-law-hospitality Fri, 20 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT Plain-English guide to procedural fairness for hospitality managers. What it means, why it matters for unfair dismissal, and how to follow the correct process. https://fitzhr.com/blog/hospitality-award-break-entitlements-shift-length https://fitzhr.com/blog/hospitality-award-break-entitlements-shift-length Wed, 18 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT Exactly when breaks are required under the Hospitality Award — by shift length. Paid vs unpaid, timing rules, and what happens if you get it wrong. https://fitzhr.com/blog/how-to-terminate-casual-employee-australia https://fitzhr.com/blog/how-to-terminate-casual-employee-australia Sun, 15 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT How to legally terminate casual employees in Australian hospitality. Covers unfair dismissal protections, notice requirements and documentation needed. https://fitzhr.com/blog/what-to-do-when-employee-no-shows-hospitality https://fitzhr.com/blog/what-to-do-when-employee-no-shows-hospitality Thu, 12 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT How to handle employee no-shows in hospitality legally. Documentation, communication steps, formal warnings and when you can terminate. https://fitzhr.com/blog/casual-conversion-rules-hospitality-award-australia https://fitzhr.com/blog/casual-conversion-rules-hospitality-award-australia Sun, 08 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT MA000009 casual conversion rules 2026 — employee-initiated framework, 6-month threshold, 21-day employer response, and CEIS obligations. https://fitzhr.com/blog/how-to-write-formal-warning-letter-hospitality-australia https://fitzhr.com/blog/how-to-write-formal-warning-letter-hospitality-australia Thu, 05 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT How to write a legally compliant formal warning letter for hospitality staff under the Fair Work Act. What to include, common mistakes, and a free template. https://fitzhr.com/blog/employment-contract-restaurant-staff-australia https://fitzhr.com/blog/employment-contract-restaurant-staff-australia Sun, 22 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT How to write compliant employment contracts for hospitality staff in Australia. Covers Fair Work requirements, Hospitality Award clauses, and mistakes to avoid. https://fitzhr.com/blog/fair-work-compliance-checklist-hospitality https://fitzhr.com/blog/fair-work-compliance-checklist-hospitality Sun, 22 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT Complete Fair Work compliance checklist for Australian pubs, restaurants and hotels. Covers pay rates, record keeping, leave entitlements, and termination. https://fitzhr.com/blog/hospitality-award-rates-2026 https://fitzhr.com/blog/hospitality-award-rates-2026 Sun, 22 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT MA000009 penalty rates 2026 — Saturday, Sunday, public holiday, casual loading, evening/night loadings, and overtime for hospitality staff. https://fitzhr.com/blog/managing-underperformance-hospitality https://fitzhr.com/blog/managing-underperformance-hospitality Sun, 22 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT Step-by-step guide for pub, restaurant and hotel managers on handling underperforming staff legally. Covers warnings, PIPs, and termination under Fair Work.