The minimum wage is set by a governmental agency: Fair Work Australia. Do not hesitate to contact them if you need advice or if you have a problem with an employer. The minimum wage in Australia is 17.70 AU $ per hour or 672.70 AU $ per week (calculated on the basis of a 38-hour week before taxes). You have the same rights as Australian citizens, so you are not supposed to be paid less than that amount. However, know that this rule sometimes varies, if for example you work in fruit picking and you are paid for the amount of fruit you picked up.
Sometimes, an employer may also try to offer you a lower salary. It’s up to you to accept or not! The lucky ones can also come across a job that pays much more than specified above (in construction for example). Check the rates and information on the Fair Work website.
List of sectors that recruit the most: - Tourism – hospitality - gastronomy - Health - Mining and agriculture - Industry - Metallurgy - Public works - Sales / Retail- High Tech - Services
Pitfalls to avoid
Be wary of job ads that seem a little too perfect. The ads offering a great job, a great atmosphere and an extraordinary salary without really saying what the job is about. If you think a job is illegal or even worse, don’t even think about accepting this offer !
Additional tips
-Never give your personal information (passport number, visa number, etc.) to an employer via the internet or by phone. Everything must be done in person with legal documents.
-When you apply via a recruitment/temp agency, make sure that they’re approved by the state.
-During an interview, your mission, salary and working conditions must be described clearly. If this is not the case or if you have a doubt, run away.