Pay and conditions
Your pay and conditions depend on whether you are covered by national or state law. Conditions or entitlements may also be different for some workers because of their type of employment (for example, permanent or casual).
When you start a new job, it is a good idea to get a copy of your award, agreement, or contract of employment. This way you will always know what you are entitled to, and you will be able to check if anything does go wrong.
If you believe there is a breach of contract, or a breach of an award or an agreement, you should get legal advice.
Remember, if in doubt, get advice and get it fast.
Our Civil Law Division may be able to give you legal advice and assistance.
Our Federal Court service for self-represented litigants may be able to assist if you have already been through a conciliation, hearing or other process at the Fair Work Commission or the Fair Work Ombudsman.
Call our Infoline to find out what help we can give in your situation. If we can’t help, we may be able to refer you to someone else who can.
Who can I contact to see if I am being paid correctly?
To work out how much you should get paid, you need to know whether you're covered by:
- the state or national system
- an award or an enterprise agreement.
A guide to who is covered by the West Australian state system is on the Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety website.
Workers under the WA system
The Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety provides information on wages and conditions for all WA system workers , whether they work in the public sector or are employees under WA awards, agreements and legislation. You might need information about:
- pay rates, leave entitlements and other employment arrangements in unincorporated businesses in WA
- long service leave for employees working in WA
- laws on when and where children under 15 can work in WA.
You can also contact your union if you are a member.
The Department has information on how to make a complaint about underpayment or entitlements. You can also get information by calling Wageline on 1300 655 266.
Workers under the national system
The Fair Work Ombudsman and Fair Work Commission provide information on pay and conditions for national system employees, including people covered by national modern awards.
You can also contact your union if you are a member.
The Fair Work Ombudsman has the power to take legal action to make your employer pay the minimum wage and entitlements.
Get help
Our Civil Law Division may be able to give you legal advice and assistance.
Our Federal Court service for self-represented litigants may be able to assist if you have already been through a conciliation, hearing or other process at the Fair Work Commission or the Fair Work Ombudsman.
Other help
The Circle Green Community Legal website under the heading Workplace has information to help you understand and enforce your rights at work.
Call on (08) 6148 3636 for free legal help or request help by completing an online form.
Reviewed: 11 December 2023