Building & Construction Award Allowances 2025–26
Rates effective 1 July 2025 · MA000020
Allowances under the Building & Construction Award are extra payments for specific conditions, skills, or expenses. They are one of the most commonly missed entitlements after penalty rates.
Current allowances
| Allowance | Amount | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Meal allowance (overtime) | $19.00 per meal | If you work overtime for more than 2 hours and your employer did not give you notice the day before, you are entitled to a meal allowance of $19.00. |
| Tool allowance (carpenter) | $39.60 per week | If you are employed as a carpenter and are required to supply your own tools, you are entitled to $39.60 per week. |
| Tool allowance (plasterer) | $32.76 per week | If you are employed as a plasterer and are required to supply your own tools, you are entitled to $32.76 per week. |
| Camping allowance | $254.97 per week | If you are required to camp at or near the construction site, you are entitled to a camping allowance of $254.97 per week. |
See also: Pay rates | Allowances & loadings guide
Source: Fair Work Commission pay guide for MA000020, effective 1 July 2025.
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