New award pay rates apply from the first full pay period in July 2026, and the Fair Work Commission has now released updated Pay Guides for every award. If you run payroll for an Australian small business, this one needs to make it onto your to-do list before your first July pay run.
Updated Fair Work Pay Guides Apply From July 2026
The Fair Work Commission has released the updated Pay Guides for each award, effective from the first full pay period in July 2026.
If You Manage Your Own Payroll
- Update payroll systems with the new award rates before your first full July pay run
- Check any employees on salaries still meet minimum award requirements
- Review allowances, overtime and penalty rates where applicable
It's important these changes are applied from the correct pay period to avoid underpayments and potential back pay.
Super Lodgements Move to Your Pay Cycle
From next week, we will be lodging super in line with your pay cycle.
If you still have outstanding super for April to June 2026, it will be lodged on 18 July — keep an eye out for our email to advise the amount owing.
Key ATO Dates for July and August 2026
- Inventory stocktake — please complete and send through your figures as soon as possible.
- STP finalisation — due 14 July.
- TPAR and June 2026 (Q4) BAS lodgements — due 28 August.
Want Help With Your Business Finances?
The Connectt team are registered BAS agents ready to help Australian small businesses stay on top of their obligations. Get in touch today to find out how we can help.