Racing Industry Ground Maintenance Award 2020 — Pay Rates July 2026
Minimum pay rates effective 1 July 2026 under the Racing Industry Ground Maintenance Award 2020. All rates verified directly against the official Fair Work Commission pay guide published 24 June 2026.
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Effective 1 July 2026 · Adult rates only · Source: Fair Work Commission
| Classification | Full-time / Part-time | Casual |
|---|---|---|
| Introductory level | $25.74/hr | $32.17/hr |
| Maintenance and horticulture employee level 1 | $26.44/hr | $33.05/hr |
| Maintenance and horticulture employee level 2 | $28.42/hr | $35.53/hr |
| Tradesperson | $29.45/hr | $36.81/hr |
| Trackwork and pool supervisor | $31.77/hr | $39.71/hr |
| Management employee level 1 | $34.08/hr | $42.60/hr |
| Management employee level 2 | $37.61/hr | $47.01/hr |
Penalty rates — Introductory level
Full-time/part-time and casual rates often differ — casual employees receive a higher percentage on top of the 25% casual loading.
| When | Full-time / Part-time | Casual |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday | $32.17/hr 125% | $38.60/hr 120% |
| Sunday | $45.04/hr 175% | $51.47/hr 160% |
| Public Holiday | $64.35/hr 250% | $70.77/hr 220% |
| Sunday overtime | $51.48/hr 200% | $57.91/hr 180% |
| Morning Work | $32.17/hr 125% | $38.60/hr 120% |
| Monfri Water Restriction | $38.61/hr 150% | $45.04/hr 140% |
| Evening Work | $29.60/hr 115% | $36.03/hr 112% |
| Meal Break | $38.61/hr 150% | $45.04/hr 140% |
| Overtime Monfri First2hrs | $38.61/hr 150% | $45.04/hr 140% |
| Overtime Monfri After2hrs | $51.48/hr 200% | $57.91/hr 180% |
| Insufficient Rest Break | $51.48/hr 200% | — |
Common questions about the Racing Industry Ground Maintenance Award
What is the minimum wage under the Racing Industry Ground Maintenance Award?
The minimum full-time rate under the Racing Industry Ground Maintenance Award from 1 July 2026 is $25.74 per hour. Casual employees receive an additional 25% loading, making the minimum casual rate $32.17 per hour.
What is the casual loading under the Racing Industry Ground Maintenance Award?
Casual employees receive a 25% casual loading on top of the base rate, which compensates for the lack of paid leave entitlements. Casual penalty rates for weekends, evenings and public holidays are usually higher again than the full-time/part-time penalty rates - not just the base rate plus 25% - so check the specific casual figures in the table above rather than estimating.
When did the Racing Industry Ground Maintenance Award rates last change?
Current rates took effect 1 July 2026 following the Fair Work Commission Annual Wage Review decision, which applied a 4.75% increase to Modern Award minimum rates (the National Minimum Wage floor for award-free workers rose separately, by 5.97%, to $26.44/hr). Rates are reviewed and updated every 1 July.
What happens if my employer pays me less than the Racing Industry Ground Maintenance Award minimum?
Paying below the award minimum is a breach of the Fair Work Act 2009. You can report underpayment to the Fair Work Ombudsman at fairwork.gov.au or call 13 13 94. Investigations are free and you may be entitled to back pay for up to 6 years.
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Start free wage checkAll rates sourced from Fair Work Commission pay guides effective 1 July 2026. Rates verified against official FWC published documents and updated annually on 1 July. This is factual information only — not legal advice. FairLanding (ABN 34 583 311 963) operates under Section 280 of the Migration Act 1958. For advice specific to your situation, contact the Fair Work Ombudsman at fairwork.gov.au or 13 13 94.