On 1 June 2026, the Fair Work Commission (FWC) issued a decision in relation to its review of the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010 (SCHCDS Award) concerning gender-based undervaluation (Decision).

The FWC has decided to increase minimum rates of pay prescribed by the SCHCDS Award, on the basis that they have been the subject of gender-based undervaluation. It has also decided to replace the classification structures in Schedules B, C, E and F with a single new structure.

The majority of the changes will commence operation in full on 1 October 2027. The FWC has proposed that the minimum wages prescribed for employees currently classified under Schedule E – Home Care Employees – Disability Care will be increased initially by 15% on 1 October 2026, prior to becoming covered by the new classification structure from 1 October 2027 and being entitled to further minimum wage increases at that time.

See NAT 025/26 for more information, as well as information regarding a member briefing to be held on 18 June, during which our Workplace Relations Policy Team will provide an overview of the Decision and its implications.