Announcement: SCHADS Award pay rate adjustment - performHR

Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010 – ERO pay rate adjustment – 1 December 2019

From the first pay period commencing on or after 1 December 2019, rates of pay for some employees under the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010 (SCHADS Award) will increase as a result of the Equal Remuneration Order (ERO) made by the Fair Work Commission in 2012.

Allowances, penalties and loadings are not affected and remain as set out in the SCHADS Award.

Who does this affect?

Only minimum pay rates for employees covered by the ‘Social and Community Services’ and ‘Crisis Accommodation’ streams under the SCHADS Award will increase.

What do I need to do?

If you already pay above award rates, you may not be required to increase wages, providing the rates paid are above the increased minimum award rates.

It should be noted that the ERO pay rate adjustment may also affect staff covered by an Enterprise Agreement (EA). Where applicable, employers are advised to check their EA to ensure the base rates payable within the EA are equal to or greater than the increased minimum award rates. If this is not the case, pay rates will need to be adjusted accordingly. Further to this, employers are advised to check their EA and/or contracts of employment carefully for terms that stipulate an increase to rates of pay in line with any increase to minimum award wages, and to act in compliance with those terms.

When do the changes come into effect?

The increase will take effect from the first full pay period on or after 1 December 2019.

How much is the increase?

Different increases will apply to different employees depending on whether or not they are transitioning from a pre-modern award.

 

If you think you may have employees covered by the Social and Community Services or Crisis Accommodation Streams under the SCHADS Award, and would like to clarify rates, please contact our team or give us a call on 1300 406 005.

Think People, think perform hr

Free Download

The ultimate HR eBook to benefit every business. Click here to learn more, or download the eBook for free using the form below.

    Our Valued Partners

    At PerformHR, we believe the best outcomes for our clients come from surrounding them with the right expertise.

    That is why we have built a network of legal partners who share our commitment to practical, commercially grounded advice.

    Together, we ensure your business is protected, informed and positioned to grow with confidence.

    Madison & Marcus Legal Advisory

    PerformHR has teamed up with Madison & Marcus, a highly respected and influential employment law firm, to offer our clients the best possible employment and safety advice. Our proactive and practical approach ensures that you receive professional guidance that is tailored to your specific needs. Trust us to keep your business protected and compliant with the latest laws and regulations.

    Visit website >

    Norton Rose Fulbright

    PerformHR has partnered with Norton Rose Fulbright, one of the world's leading global law firms, to ensure our clients have access to sophisticated legal counsel when the complexity of a matter demands it. With more than 3,000 lawyers across six continents, Norton Rose Fulbright brings international reach, deep sector expertise and enterprise grade advice to every engagement.

    Visit website >

    Coleman Greig Lawyers

    PerformHR has partnered with Coleman Greig Lawyers, one of Sydney's most respected and long-standing mid-sized firms, to deliver practical, industry specific legal support to our clients across NSW. With nearly a century of experience and deep roots across Western Sydney Australia's third largest economy, Coleman Greig understands the real world pressures facing SMEs, family businesses and growing enterprises. From employment law and commercial agreements to franchising and compliance, their team delivers tailored advice with the expertise of a large firm, and the genuine client focus that sets them apart.

    Visit website >

    The Growth Faculty

    Perform HR have teamed with The Growth Faculty an expert in the field of HR and Leadership Thought Leadership.

    Working with The Growth Faculty, Perform HR is able to bring together the people, the thinking, the tools, and the sharing of ideas to grow teams and businesses

    Visit website >

    © 2026 performHR. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Sitemap.