Australia is a wonderful place for anyone who loves adventure, and the thrill of being in a foreign land is always fascinating. But that excitement can fade once you stop being a tourist and start settling in, especially as a newcomer blending into a new culture and environment. The pressure of adjustment is already enough, so you do not want avoidable problems in your professional life. Here are 10 things you must know about working in Australia, so you understand your workplace rights and are not made to work long hours or be underpaid.
- Student visa (subclass 500) holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session, and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks
- The national minimum wage rose to $24.95 per hour ($948 per week) from 1 July 2025
- The $450 monthly superannuation threshold was scrapped in 2022, and the super guarantee rate is now 12 percent of ordinary earnings.
What Are Your Student Work Hour Limits?
On a student visa (subclass 500), you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight once your course is in session. During scheduled course breaks you can work unlimited hours. A fortnight is any rolling 14-day period. Master's by research and doctoral students have no cap. Breaching this limit can put your visa at risk.
What Should Your Payslip Include?
Your employer must give you a payslip within one working day of payday. It should clearly list your hours worked, gross and net pay, the hourly rate, any bonuses or commissions, tax withheld, and superannuation contributions paid on your behalf. This applies whether you are paid by cash, cheque, or bank transfer.
What Is the Minimum Wage You Are Entitled To?
Whether you work full-time, part-time, casually, or as an intern, you are entitled to at least the national minimum wage. From 1 July 2025 this is $24.95 per hour, or $948 for a 38-hour week. Casual employees also receive a loading of at least 25 percent on top of this base rate.
How Are Extra Hours and Overtime Rewarded?
If you work beyond your ordinary hours, on nights, weekends, or public holidays, you are usually entitled to penalty rates or overtime pay set by your award or agreement. Check your payslip to confirm these extra hours appear under overtime, penalty rates, or allowances, and that you have been paid correctly for them.
Why Do You Need a Tax File Number?
A Tax File Number (TFN) is your personal reference issued by the Australian Taxation Office, similar to a PAN card in India. You can apply for it free through the ATO website once you arrive. Without a TFN, your employer must withhold tax at the highest rate, even if you would not otherwise owe it.
Can Your Employer Force an Individual Contract?
No. Most employees in Australia are covered by a modern award or registered agreement that sets minimum pay and conditions. Your employer cannot force you onto an individual arrangement that pays less than these legal minimums. Any contract you sign must still meet the National Employment Standards, which cannot be signed away.
When Can You Start Working on a Student Visa?
Your work rights on a student visa only begin once your course has officially started. You cannot work before the first day of your course, even if you have already arrived in Australia. The same limit applies to any family members on your visa. Non-compulsory internships also count toward your fortnightly work hours.
When Can Your Employer Legally Deduct Your Pay?
Your employer can only deduct money from your pay when you have agreed in writing and it benefits you, or when a law or court order allows it. They cannot dock your wages for a till shortfall, breakages, or business losses. Wages must be paid in money, not in goods or services.
Are You Entitled to Superannuation?
Yes. Since the old $450-per-month earnings threshold was removed in July 2022, your employer must pay superannuation on top of your wages no matter how little you earn. From 1 July 2025 the rate is 12 percent of your ordinary earnings, paid into a super fund for your retirement. Under-18s must work over 30 hours weekly to qualify.
Can You Join a Union as an Employee?
Yes. You have the right to join, or not join, a trade union relevant to your industry, regardless of your employer's views. This is a protected workplace right in Australia. Your employer cannot dismiss you, cut your hours, or treat you unfairly because you are a union member or take part in lawful union activity.
These are some of the key points to keep in mind before you start working in Australia, whether as a student or a full-time employee. Knowing your rights helps make sure you are not exploited and that your workplace feels rewarding rather than a burden you simply have to endure.