The Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services (SCHADS) Award sets the minimum pay and conditions for workers in the social care sector, covering aged care, disability support, community services, and more. With new updates coming into effect in 2025, it’s essential for employers to stay informed and ensure compliance while remaining competitive in attracting and retaining top talent.
Key Updates to the SCHADS Award for 2025
Recent changes to the SCHADS Award reflect shifts in cost-of-living pressures, employment conditions, and workforce sustainability. Here are some of the most significant updates and what they mean for employers:
1. Adjustments to Minimum Pay Rates
The 2025 SCHADS Award updates include an increase in minimum wage rates across various classifications. These adjustments are designed to ensure fair compensation and account for inflation. Employers must review their payroll systems to ensure all employees are paid correctly in accordance with the new rates.
2. Changes to Overtime and Penalty Rates
Overtime and penalty rates continue to be a key focus, with adjustments aimed at improving work-life balance for employees. These changes may affect shift planning, weekend penalties, and overtime costs. Employers should reassess their rostering strategies to maintain compliance while managing labour expenses efficiently.
3. Superannuation and Leave Entitlements
The new award updates may also include modifications to superannuation contributions and leave entitlements, ensuring employees receive adequate benefits and protections. Employers must review their policies to reflect these updates and provide clear communication to staff.
4. Clarifications on Casual and Part-Time Employment Conditions
With the workforce shifting towards greater flexibility, updates to casual and part-time employment conditions will impact how contracts are structured. These changes ensure that workers receive predictable work hours while employers can effectively manage workforce needs.
Beyond the SCHADS awards, organisatins need to remain competitive – what sets them apart?
How to Remain Competitive with Salaries and Benefits
Beyond compliance, employers must also ensure they offer competitive salaries and benefits to attract and retain skilled professionals in the sector.
1. Benchmark Salaries Against Industry Standards
Regularly reviewing salary benchmarks and aligning pay scales with industry averages, especially for senior leadership roles helps employers stay competitive.
2. Offer Attractive Employee Benefits
Beyond salary, benefits such as flexible working arrangements, paid parental leave, professional development opportunities, and employee wellness programs can make a significant impact on staff retention.
3. Focus on Career Progression
Employees in the social care sector value opportunities for growth. Providing clear career pathways, leadership development programs, and ongoing training can enhance job satisfaction and reduce turnover.
4. Prioritise Workplace Culture and Wellbeing
A positive workplace culture that prioritises staff well-being, mental health support, and recognition programs helps build a motivated and engaged workforce. Simple initiatives such as employee appreciation programs and regular feedback sessions can make a difference.
So how do we know if we are com
So how do we know if we are competitive???
Be Recruitment is currently gathering data on salaries across the entire NfP sector with Pro Bono Australia across all levels and role types. This research aims to compile the latest salary survey for the sector for 2025-2026, helping organisations gain deeper insights into salary trends and workforce planning.
Pro Bono Australia’s 13th annual Salary Survey is the largest in Australia. Strong participation from across the sector is critical in order to benchmark and analyse trends in salaries from year to year. The results will provide invaluable feedback and information and assist in compiling our report analysing salary levels, expectations and employment trends for the not-for-profit sector in Australia.
All responses will be kept strictly confidential. As a thank you for completing the survey in full, you can access 50% off the 2025 Salary Survey report, as well as go in the draw to win $500 donated to the charity of your choice.
If you are submitting salary information for multiple positions within your organisation, please use our bulk import spreadsheet. Click here to download the spreadsheet. Open the link, download the file, and save it to your device. Once you’ve completed the form, email it to [email protected]. As a token of appreciation for submitting multiple entries, your organisation will receive a FREE 2025 Salary Survey report. This form is intended for submitting individual salary details. Please ensure submissions are made by authorised representatives.
The salary survey will be live from before the end of the financial year.
Stay informed. Stay competitive. Build a stronger workforce for 2025.
