Nursery Award Allowances 2025–26
Rates effective 1 July 2025 · MA000033
Allowances under the Nursery 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 |
|---|---|---|
| First aid allowance (all-purpose) | $0.47 per hour | If you hold a current first aid certificate and your employer has appointed you as the person responsible for first aid at the workplace, you receive $0.47 per hour as an all-purpose allowance. This amount is added to your base rate before casual loading, penalty rates, and overtime are calculated. |
| Meal allowance | $17.19 per meal | If you are required to work overtime, you are entitled to a meal allowance of $17.19 for the first meal, and $17.19 for each additional meal period worked during overtime. |
| Accommodation reimbursement | $0.00 per night | If your employer requires you to stay away from home overnight for work, you are entitled to reimbursement of the demonstrable cost of suitable accommodation. |
| Tool and equipment reimbursement | $0.00 | If your employer requires you to supply your own tools or equipment, you are entitled to reimbursement of the cost of those tools and equipment. |
See also: Pay rates | Allowances & loadings guide
Source: Fair Work Commission pay guide for MA000033, effective 1 July 2025.
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