All private sector State IR Awards will pay a casual loading rate of 25% from April 26 this year, bringing the State IR Awards system in line with the Federal system.
The decision handed down on February 28 from the WA Industrial Relations Commission (WAIRC) follows amendments to the Minimum Conditions of Employment Act 1993 (WA) which increased the minimum casual loading from 20% to 25% as of January 31, 2025.
UnionsWA applied for a General Order to align casual rates in 83 private and local government sector awards, which is the new minimum standard.
The application was not opposed by CCIWA, the Minister for Industrial Relations and the WA Local Government Association.
In its response to WAIRC about the change, CCIWA said by aligning awards to the legislated casual rate, it will be easier for employers to comply with the State system.
“Following changes to the Minimum Conditions of Employment Act 1993 (WA), via the Industrial Relations Amendment Act 2024 … it is now more difficult for employers, particularly the smallest employers, to comply with the entitlements outlined as it creates two casual loading rates for employers to navigate,” CCIWA wrote.
“The employers that are covered by the State Industrial Relations System are often the smallest employers, and almost exclusively, do not have a human resources team to keep abreast of substantial changes to the industrial relations system.”
The Commission agreed that the change supports fairness, reduced administrative burden for employers and aligns WA with the national standard, where a 25% casual loading is already in place.
What do employers need to do?
Employers need to update their payroll systems before April 26 to reflect the higher casual loading.
The change applies to 118 State awards.
The decision brings WA’s casual employment conditions closer to national standards and simplifies wage compliance for businesses.
If you’re not sure if this change applies to your business and what you need to do, contact our Employee Relations Helpline on (08) 9365 7660, or via [email protected] for support.
