Modern award
A modern award sets minimum pay rates, penalties, allowances and conditions for employees in an industry or occupation under the Fair Work Act 2009.
Ask Chalkline about this →A modern award is a legal instrument made under the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) that sets minimum pay rates, penalty rates, allowances, overtime rules, and employment conditions for a defined industry or occupation. Awards sit above the National Minimum Wage: if an award applies to your employees, you must meet the award rates even if those are higher than the NMW (verified 2026-05-11, Fair Work Ombudsman, Awards).
For residential builders, the key award covering on-site construction workers is the Building and Construction General On-site Award 2020 (MA000020). It sets weekly minimum rates, trade classifications, overtime multipliers, site allowances, and pay day requirements. Other awards may cover specific trades or office staff. Check fairwork.gov.au to confirm which award applies to each worker class before setting pay rates.
Also known as: award, industrial award, Fair Work award.
Category: Employment and HR.
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Last updated: 2026-05-11. Verified: 2026-05-11. Quarterly review for currency.