General information only — not legal advice. First speak with your employer, then if unsuccessful contact Fair Work or an employment lawyer.
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Children's Services Award Allowances 2025–26

Rates effective 1 March 2026 · MA000120

Allowances under the Children's Services Award are extra payments for specific conditions, skills, or expenses. They are one of the most commonly missed entitlements after penalty rates.

Current allowances

AllowanceAmountWhen it applies
Broken shift allowance$20.42 per dayIf you work a broken shift (a shift with an unpaid break of more than 1 hour), you receive a daily allowance.
First aid allowance (not OSHC)$12.12 per dayIf you hold a current first aid qualification and are appointed as the service's first aid officer (not in OSHC), you receive a daily allowance.
First aid allowance (OSHC)$1.57 per hourIf you hold a current first aid qualification and are appointed as the first aid officer in an outside school hours care (OSHC) service, you receive an hourly allowance.
Meal allowance$15.48 per mealIf you are required to work overtime and a meal break falls during that overtime, you are entitled to a meal allowance.
Laundry allowance (full-time)$9.49 per weekIf you are required to launder your own uniform, including ironing, you receive a weekly laundry allowance (full-time employees).
Laundry allowance (part-time/casual)$1.90 per dayIf you are required to launder your own uniform, including ironing, you receive a daily laundry allowance (part-time and casual employees).
Vehicle allowance — car$0.99 per kmIf you are required to use your own car for work purposes, you receive a per-kilometre allowance.
Vehicle allowance — motorcycle$0.33 per kmIf you are required to use your own motorcycle for work purposes, you receive a per-kilometre allowance.

See also: Pay rates | Allowances & loadings guide

Source: Fair Work Commission pay guide for MA000120, effective 1 March 2026.

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