Better Off Overall Test: Can you pay your nanny a flat hourly rate?

Employee Entitlements, Miscellaneous Award

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

Employee Entitlements, 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

Employee Entitlements, Miscellaneous Award

Domestic Payroll Changes for Financial Year 2027 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...

Does the ‘Right to Disconnect’ laws apply to nannies

Employee Entitlements

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...

When & how to apply nanny leave in Australia

Employee Entitlements, Leave, Miscellaneous Award

The leave accrual for all fulltime permanent employees including nannies and domestic staff is 20 days annual (holiday leave) and 10 days personal/carer (sick leave). For part time employees this accrues on a pro rata basis. Each leave accrues on an ongoing basis...

Do I need to employee an au pair in Australia?

Employee Entitlements, Miscellaneous Award

Like nannies, au pairs in Australia are covered by pay and conditions outlined in the Miscellaneous Award. Au pairs can be exempt from the Miscellaneous Award and Fair Work Act, if the arrangement is one of cultural exchange rather than employment. A cultural exchange...