The new ‘starting-out wage’ applies to workers aged between 16 and 19 years.
Groups eligible for the starting-out wage:
- 16- and 17-year-olds during their first six months of work with a new employer (or until they are training or supervising others);
- 18- and 19-year-olds who have been paid a benefit for 6 months or longer, and who have not completed 6 months of continuous work with any employer since starting on benefit (or until they are training or supervising others);
- 16- to 19-year-old workers in a recognised industry training course involving at least 40 credits a year.
Under the new starting-out wage scheme, eligible 16- to 19-year-olds can be paid 80 per cent of the adult minimum wage (currently amounting to $11 per hour) for 6 months or for as long as they are undertaking recognised industry training of at least 40 credits per year.
As of 1 May 2013 the “Starting Out” wage will replace the “new entrants” wage, and “training” wage for under-20s.
- Where Employees were on the "new entrants minimum wage" before 1 May 2013, the Employers can continue to pay them on the same wage rate until the Employees have completed the lesser of 200 hours or 3 months continuous employment (or until they are training or supervising others).
- 16-19 year-old Employees who were on the "training minimum wage" before 1 May 2013 will continue on the same wage rate.
Source: DOL and WINZ