Articles
How to hire a housekeeper in Australia
Hiring a housekeeper can make a huge difference to a busy household. A housekeeper can do much more than simply clean your home — depending on the role, they may also help with laundry, ironing, grocery shopping, meal preparation and keeping the household organised....
Employing a carer for home aged care in Australia
Are you part of the sandwich generation – do you need more help not only in your home but in your parents' home? The desire for people to remain in their home is strong but is often needed with support. If you are looking for regular ongoing care the best option may...
Nanny Superannuation Australia – 30 hour exemption & Payday Super
Nanny Superannuation – What Families Need to Know Superannuation for nannies & domestic staff The Superannuation Guarantee increased to 12% on 1 July 2025. At this stage, there are no further legislated increases. Superannuation is paid on top of your employee's...
Better Off Overall Test: Can you pay your nanny a flat hourly rate?
Many employers prefer the simplicity of paying their nanny or domestic employee one flat hourly rate rather than calculating different rates for evenings, weekends, overtime and allowances. In many cases, this is possible—but only if the employee is better off overall...
Nanny award pay rates 2026: Junior wages under the Miscellaneous Award
Most domestic staff (except carers) are covered by the Miscellaneous Award 2020. This includes nannies, au pairs (not on a cultural exchange), private chefs, gardeners, cleaners and housekeepers. The Fair Work Commission handed down a landmark decision on 31 March...
July 2026 payroll changes for nanny employers
From 1 July 2026, a number of changes to tax, superannuation and pay rates may affect the payments made to your nanny or other domestic staff. Superannuation The superannuation guarantee rate remains at 12% for this financial year. The exemption for domestic staff...
Employing a casual employee in Australia
As of 26 August 2025, the new casual employment rules under the Fair Work Act are fully rolled out and now apply to small employers (those with fewer than 15 staff). If you employ a nanny, housekeeper, au pair, or other domestic staff, here’s what you need to know....
Are nannies a safer option than childcare?
Child safety experts are warning parents to be vigilant when hiring babysitters and nannies, as families reject formal daycare settings amid ongoing revelations of abuse and neglect. When it comes to child safety and well-being, there’s no simple answer to whether...
Does the ‘Right to Disconnect’ laws apply to nannies
The right to disconnect gives all employees the ability to refuse contact from their employer or third parties outside of their agreed working hours, unless that contact is considered reasonable. This includes emails, phone calls, messages, or other forms of...