Equal remuneration order
An equal remuneration order is a rule set by the Fair Work Commission to address wage disparities in specific industries within the Social, Community, Home Care, and Disability Services Industry Award.
This order is a legal decision made to correct pay imbalances between different types of employees, particularly in sectors like social and community services. It aims to ensure fairness by mandating equal pay for work of equal value, considering factors like skills and responsibilities. This helps in tackling systemic pay gaps and promoting equity in the workplace.
Equal remuneration orders today
The Fair Work Commission can make an equal remuneration order to ensure equal remuneration for men and women for work of equal or comparable value. The best-known order, made in 2012, increased pay for many social and community services employees covered by the SCHADS Award. Gender equality is now an object of the Fair Work Act, and the Commission must take it into account when setting award wages. For example, an employer covered by the SCHADS Award must pay the current award rates, which already include the equal remuneration increases.
Read our SCHADS Award guide.
General information only
This content is general information about Australian employment law, current at the date it was last reviewed. It does not take your circumstances into account and is not legal advice. For advice about your situation, call Employment Compass on 1300 144 002.
Last reviewed: October 2026
Explore more terms
Looking for a related term? Browse plain-English definitions of Fair Work and employment law terms and acronyms, or call our 24/7 HR advice line.
Back to Glossary