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Employing an au pair in Australia

Fair Work Act + National Employment Standards

Last reviewed

This is general guidance, not legal advice.

Employment law changes, varies by region and depends on your exact arrangement. Figures below are researched from official sources but go out of date — always confirm the current position with the official body linked on this page, or with a qualified labour adviser, before you rely on it.

A nanny employed in Australia is generally covered by the Fair Work system — the National Employment Standards (NES) and usually the Miscellaneous Award (there is no dedicated nanny award). Confirm details with the Fair Work Ombudsman.

Pay floor

≈ A$26.44 / hour (award minimum)

Verify — award minimum wages are reviewed on 1 July each year; casual work attracts a loading. Confirm the current rate at Fair Work.

What to get right

1

Written agreement

A written agreement is strongly recommended and you must give the employee the Fair Work Information Statement. Use the contract template in the NannyTank app as a starting point.

2

Minimum pay

Pay at least the applicable minimum — usually the Miscellaneous Award rate — which is reviewed on 1 July each year. Casual employees get a loading instead of paid leave. Confirm the current rate.

3

Superannuation

You must pay superannuation contributions on top of wages, paid at the same time as wages under “Payday Super”.

4

NES entitlements

The 11 National Employment Standards apply — including maximum weekly hours, annual leave, personal/carer’s leave, public holidays and notice of termination.

Official sources

Check these for the current position — they are the authority, this page is not.

An editable contract template for Australia

NannyTank includes a downloadable employment contract template that references Fair Work Act + National Employment Standards — you fill in the agreed pay and hours. Available in the app, along with hours, overtime and claim tracking.

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NannyTank is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. This page is a starting point to help you know what to look into; it may be incomplete or out of date, and it does not account for your specific circumstances. Confirm anything you rely on with the official bodies above or a qualified adviser.