Glossary & Acronyms

Fair Work terms and acronyms starting with N, including the National Employment Standards (NES), the National Minimum Wage (NMW), the national workplace relations system, NAPSAs and non-small business employers. Plain-English definitions for Australian employers.

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Terms and definitions

NAPSA

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NAPSA (Notional Agreement Preserving State Award) is a federal agreement that preserved the conditions of certain state awards and/or state legislation.

National Employment Standards (NES)

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The National Employment Standards (NES) are a set of 12 minimum employment entitlements that must be provided to all national system employees.

National Minimum Wage (NMW)

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The National Minimum Wage (NMW) is the minimum pay rate applicable to employees who are not covered by an award or registered agreement.

National workplace relations system

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The national workplace relations system encompasses a set of laws that apply to most Australian employers and employees. This includes the Fair Work Act.

Non-constitutional corporations

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Non-constitutional corporations refer to businesses that are not incorporated entities under the constitution. These include sole traders and partnerships.

Non-small business employer

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Employers with 15 or more employees, counting employees of associated entities and regular casuals, so small business exemptions do not apply.

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