Important Update: Changes to the Horticulture and Pastoral Awards from 1 April 2025
The C14 determination is now in effect, bringing updated definitions and minimum pay rates for entry-level classifications under the Horticulture and Pastoral Awards. If you haven’t already made adjustments, now is the time to ensure compliance.
- Employees can only remain at Level 1 under the Horticulture Award 2020 for a maximum of three months.
- Industry experience (including time with other employers) counts toward this three-month period.
- Duties previously listed under Level 1 will now also apply to Level 2.
Once an employee reaches three months of experience, they must be reclassified to Level 2.
Enterprise Agreements
Some employers and employees may be covered by an enterprise agreement and not an affected award. If an employee is covered by an enterprise agreement and paid introductory rates, they will still be required to be paid in line with the new classification rate under the award that would otherwise apply to them.
Employers should check their enterprise agreement and applicable award to ensure that any introductory rates meet at least the minimum base rates in their relevant award. Payroll systems should be updated accordingly.
Make sure your business is ready for these changes:
Download Employee Classification Record (Editable Word Doc)
Download level Change Notification letter
Download the Horticulture Award Pay Guide
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