FWC scraps junior rates for 18-20 year olds
FWC scraps junior rates for 18-20 year olds | Australian Greens Skip to main content Search Get Involved Join Donate Our plan Tax the 1% Tackle the cost of living Healthcare for all Fix the housing crisis Strong climate action Policy principles & aims Our team Federal MPs State/territory MPs Officeholders Media releases Take action Volunteer Donate Issues & campaigns Events Greens Shop Leave a bequest Our movement About the Greens Become a member Jobs Green Magazine All news Get Involved Join Donate Search Our plan Toggle Tax the 1% Tackle the cost of living Healthcare for all Fix the housing crisis Strong climate action Policy principles & aims Our team Toggle Federal MPs State/territory MPs Officeholders Media releases Take action Toggle Volunteer Donate Issues & campaigns Events Greens Shop Leave a bequest Our movement Toggle About the Greens Become a member Jobs Green Magazine All news FWC scraps junior rates for 18-20 year olds 2026-03-31 The Fair Work Commission’s decision today to scrap unfair junior rates for young adults aged 18-20 is a big win for our workers.
The Greens have long campaigned for removing the discriminatory practice of imposing junior rates on Australia’s young workforce. The real wages of workers have gone backwards as inflation has soared, leaving our young workers behind in a cost-of-living crisis. The Greens welcome the FWC’s decision for young adults.
However, its exclusion of 16-17 year olds is disappointing. Lines attributable to Greens spokesperson for finance, employment and workplace relations Senator Barbara Pocock: “Scrapping unfair junior rates is a big win for young workers. For too long 18-20 year olds have been doing the same work as their 21 year old colleagues but for less pay.
“Rising inflation is eroding real wages, pushing young workers further behind in the cost-of-living squeeze. “Low-paid workers are already facing an uphill battle as wages have failed to keep up with the inflation. “The Greens believe workers’ pay should reflect their skills, not their age.
We need to continue to raise the wages of under-18s who do the same work for less pay. “It’s not fair that a 16 year old fast food worker earns $16.60 per hour less than their 21 year old colleague doing the same job. “Junior pay rates guarantee an endless supply of cheap labour for employers willing to exploit the skills and talents of young people newly entering the workforce.” Media contact: Charlotta Lomas - 0466 339 862 Facebook for the Australian Greens YouTube for the Australian Greens X for the Australian Greens Instagram for the Australian Greens Bluesky for the Australian Greens Privacy Members website Your safety Contact us Our plan Tax the 1% Tackle the cost of living Healthcare for all Fix the housing crisis Strong climate action In your language 2025 policy platform Policy principles & aims Our team Federal MPs State/territory MPs Officeholders Federal portfolios Federal media releases Take action Volunteer Donate Issues & campaigns Upcoming events Greens Shop Leave a bequest Green Magazine All news Our movement About the Greens Become a member Jobs Members website State/territory parties Contact us The Greens acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture.
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