Keeping up with Australia’s Modern Awards can be challenging. With annual updates, changing pay rates, evolving classifications, and industry-specific obligations, employers need access to clear and reliable information to remain compliant.

That’s why Liquid HR has updated its 2026 Modern Award Summaries, providing employers with practical, easy-to-read guides covering some of Australia’s most commonly used Modern Awards.

Why these summaries matter

Modern Awards set the minimum employment conditions for many Australian employees, including pay rates, overtime, allowances, hours of work, leave entitlements, and classifications.

While the full Awards contain all the legal detail, they can be lengthy and difficult to navigate. Our summaries are designed to help business owners, managers and HR professionals quickly understand the key provisions that affect their workforce.

Whether you’re reviewing employee contracts, checking payroll practices or managing day-to-day workforce decisions, having a concise reference guide can save valuable time and help reduce compliance risks.

Updated for 2026

Our Award Summaries have been reviewed to reflect the latest changes effective from 1 July 2026, making it easier to stay informed about current workplace obligations.

Each guide provides a practical overview of the Award, including:

• Employee classifications
• Ordinary hours of work
• Overtime and penalty rates
• Allowances
• Leave provisions
• Other key employment conditions

Whether you’re reviewing employment contracts, onboarding new employees or checking payroll practices, these summaries provide a practical reference to help you navigate your Award obligations with greater confidence.

Available Award Summaries

The current collection includes guides for several of Australia’s most commonly used Awards, including:

• Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services (SCHADS) Award
• General Retail Industry Award
• Hospitality Industry Award
• Fast Food Industry Award
• Restaurant Industry Award
• Clerks – Private Sector Award

Download the guide relevant to your business

Whether you’re an employer, HR professional or people leader, having quick access to reliable Award information makes managing compliance easier.

Visit our Modern Award Summaries page to browse the available guides and download the Award that best suits your industry.