Starting November 2025, Australia’s national minimum wage will rise to $24.95 per hour (equivalent to $948 per week for full-time workers). Each state and territory will follow similar rates with minor variations. This wage increase also impacts Centrelink income tests and payments, ensuring that lower-income workers continue to receive appropriate benefits as their wages grow.
Minimum Wage Rates by State
| State/Territory | Hourly Rate (AUD) | Weekly Rate (AUD) |
|---|---|---|
| New South Wales | $24.95 | $948.00 |
| Victoria | $24.95 | $948.00 |
| Queensland | $24.95 | $948.00 |
| South Australia | $24.95 | $948.00 |
| Tasmania | $24.95 | $948.00 |
| Australian Capital Territory (ACT) | $24.95 | $948.00 |
| Northern Territory | $24.95 | $948.00 |
| Western Australia | $25.08 | $953.00 |
Impact on Centrelink Payments
The 2025 minimum wage adjustment has prompted Centrelink to revise income test thresholds to ensure that recipients of payments like JobSeeker, Youth Allowance, Parenting Payment, and Disability Support Pension are not negatively affected by the wage increase. These updates aim to support part-time and low-income workers receiving Centrelink benefits while maintaining fair payment levels.
This adjustment encourages economic self-sufficiency while providing continued financial assistance for those balancing employment and government support.
Eligibility for Centrelink Minimum Wage Benefits
- Applies to permanent and casual employees not covered by enterprise agreements.
- Workers aged 21 years or older qualify for the full minimum wage rate.
- Junior employees and apprentices earn lower rates depending on age and experience.
- Casual employees receive a 25% casual loading, ensuring they earn more per hour to compensate for varying work hours.
Claiming or Checking Minimum Wage Adjustments
You can review or claim adjustments linked to minimum wage changes through your MyGov account connected to Centrelink. In the Payments and Services section, you can check which benefits you receive and view any changes applied to your payments.
Always keep your employment and personal details updated to ensure Centrelink accurately adjusts your benefits according to your income.
Summary Table: Minimum Wage and Centrelink Updates 2025
| Aspect | Details Issued |
|---|---|
| National Minimum Wage | $24.95/hr (slight state variations) |
| Payments Affected | JobSeeker, Youth Allowance, Parenting Payment, etc. |
| Full Wage Eligibility | 21 years and older |
| Casual Loading | 25% additional pay for casual workers |
FAQs
Q1: What will the minimum wage in Australia be in November 2025?
$24.95 per hour, or $25.08 in Western Australia.
Q2: How does this affect Centrelink payments?
Centrelink income thresholds will be updated so benefits are fairly adjusted as wages rise.
Q3: Who qualifies for the full adult minimum wage?
Employees aged 21 years and older, including casuals (with loading).
The 2025 minimum wage update strengthens financial stability for Australian workers while ensuring Centrelink support remains balanced. It aligns with inflation and cost-of-living increases to promote economic fairness and income security.
