Annual Wage Review on the horizon

February 19, 2026

Author name

How does the Annual Wage Review affect workers and small business owners? Each year, the Fair Work Commission reviews the National Minimum Wage and the minimum wages set out in awards. Cost of living and inflation are front of mind for both employers and employees, and this year’s Annual Wage Review is likely to see an increase in the minimum wage and award rates.


The Annual Wage Review is conducted by an Expert Panel, which takes submissions from interested groups, including the Federal Government, unions, and business lobby groups. The Federal Government’s submission to the Wage Review this year called for an increase to the minimum wage, though not specifying an amount. The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry has advocated for an increase of 2 per cent, at most.


The announcement will likely take place in early June and any increase to the national minimum wage will take effect in the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2024. Failure to pay employees at least the minimum rate that is set out in an applicable award can result in penalties, including requirements for back pay and fines.


The Fair Work Ombudsman uses its enforcement powers to issue compliance notices to employers, and recovered $14.8 million in unpaid wages in 2022-23. Small and medium businesses are subject to the same scrutiny as large businesses.

For business owners, this is a timely reminder to review employment agreements and payments to staff. You should be conscious of which awards cover your staff members, as award rates for each level increase commensurate with the national minimum wage increase.


It is also important to be aware of employee entitlements and set-offs, to ensure you are paying employees what they’re entitled to and avoiding future claims.


If you are not sure what award your employee is covered by, have a question about employment conditions or require any other assistance with employment and workplace matters contact Bailiwick Legal on 08 9321 5451 or email office@bailiwicklegal.com.au.


By Ciara Nalty (Solicitor) 


For further information about our legal services, please visit our website: https://www.bailiwicklegal.com.au


The above information is a summary and overview of the matters discussed. This publication does not constitute legal advice and you should seek legal or other professional advice before acting or relying on any of the content.

Image of Challa Station lakes after rain.
February 19, 2026
Bailiwick Legal has been honoured to support Forever Wild over the past few years as they delivered one of the most significant conservation land acquisition programs undertaken in Western Australia. Our team assisted Forever Wild with the strategic purchase of four pastoral stations, Narndee , Boodanoo , Meeline and Challa , transactions that now connect three State Reserves and protect more than 12,000 square kilometres of land. To put that scale into perspective, the combined area is approximately five times the size of the ACT and nearly one-fifth the size of Tasmania . Navigating complexity at scale These were not straightforward property transactions. Each acquisition involved: Multiple pastoral leases Layered regulatory and approval pathways Significant operational and on-ground assets Numerous stakeholders across government, industry and land management Our role was to guide Forever Wild through this complexity with clarity, precision and confidence, ensuring each transaction progressed efficiently while managing risk and safeguarding long-term objectives. “ Forever Wild is creating a world-leading model for nature funding that demonstrates we can manage viable, working pastoral stations whilst also restoring and protecting local ecological flora and fauna, and engaging and supporting Indigenous people and local communities. Complex & challenging, but this initiative could literally change the world .” Jessica Brunner - Director, Bailiwick Legal A growing and evolving legal landscape Large-scale conservation acquisitions sit within an emerging and increasingly complex legal field , intersecting land tenure, pastoral regulation, environmental frameworks and commercial considerations. These matters demand a deep understanding of both the legal mechanics and the practical realities of operating in regional and remote Australia. Our team’s experience in agribusiness, pastoral land transactions and regulatory approvals allowed us to support Forever Wild at every stage, from strategic structuring through to completion. Proud to support leadership in nature finance Forever Wild is widely recognised as an industry leader and a steadfast advocate for nature finance initiatives , helping pave the way for greater accessibility and innovation in conservation funding and land stewardship. We are proud to have contributed our relationships, expertise and practical legal insight to help Forever Wild achieve its vision, and to have played a role, however small, in shaping a groundbreaking future for conservation in Australia. At Bailiwick Legal, we value the opportunity to work alongside organisations that are thinking long-term, acting boldly, and creating outcomes that extend well beyond the transaction itself. For assistance with all of your agribusiness needs, contact Bailiwick Legal on 08 9321 5451 or email office@bailiwicklegal.com.au For further information about our legal services, please visit our website: https://www.bailiwicklegal.com.au The above information is a summary and overview of the matters discussed. This publication does not constitute legal advice and you should seek legal or other professional advice before acting or relying on any of the content.
Aerial image of Rawlinna Station
January 5, 2026
Bailiwick Legal is proud to have acted for Consolidated Pastoral Company (CPC) in its successful acquisition of Rawlinna Station , Australia’s largest sheep station, located on the remote Nullarbor Plain in Western Australia. Spanning over 1 million hectares and running approximately 30,000 sheep , Rawlinna is an iconic pastoral asset with a rich legacy, having been held by the MacLachlan family’s Jumbuck Pastoral Company since its establishment in 1962. The sale marks the first change of ownership in over six decades and was finalised following formal approval from the Western Australian Government for the transfer of the pastoral leases. This transaction involved navigating: The transfer of three separate pastoral leases Coordination across multiple vendor entities Consideration of livestock and operating assets Fulfilment of regulatory and compliance requirements, including WA lease approval processes Bailiwick Legal is a boutique agricultural and regional law firm , proudly based in Perth and Bridgetown, Western Australia. Our role in this acquisition demonstrates that deep sector knowledge, local insight, and personalised legal support are crucial for agribusiness clients managing complex, high-value transactions. Our team, led by our regionally-based solicitor, Matilda Lloyd, provided end-to-end legal and strategic support, including: Due diligence on land tenure and operating assets Contract negotiation and preparation Advice on regulatory approvals and compliance Strategic coordination with CPC’s internal and external stakeholders to ensure a smooth and timely settlement We are honoured to have supported CPC in this milestone acquisition and look forward to watching Rawlinna’s next chapter unfolds. At Bailiwick Legal, we believe that regional expertise, deep industry knowledge, and relationship-based service remain essential to agribusiness success, no matter the scale. Congratulations to all parties involved, including the MacLachlan family, whose stewardship of Rawlinna leaves a lasting legacy in Australian agriculture. – The Bailiwick Legal Team Working alongside agribusinesses to grow, transition, and thrive . For assistance with all of your agribusiness needs, contact Bailiwick Legal on 08 9321 5451 or email office@bailiwicklegal.com.au By Matilda Lloyd (Associate) For further information about our legal services, please visit our website: https://www.bailiwicklegal.com.au The above information is a summary and overview of the matters discussed. This publication does not constitute legal advice and you should seek legal or other professional advice before acting or relying on any of the content.
By Jessica Brunner June 19, 2024
Our June 2024 newsletter is now available. Have a read to find out what we have been up to in the first half of the year!