Retail Award — Allowances
Last updated: March 2026 · Rates effective 1 July 2025
Allowances are extra payments for specific conditions, skills, or expenses. They are one of the most commonly missed entitlements after penalty rates.
| Allowance | Amount | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Cold work allowance (0°C and above) | $0.37 per hour | If you are required to work in a cold environment at or above 0°C (e.g. cool rooms, refrigerated areas), you are entitled to an additional hourly allowance. |
| Cold work allowance (below 0°C) | $0.93 per hour | If you are required to work in a freezer or other environment below 0°C, you are entitled to a higher hourly allowance. |
| First aid allowance | $13.89 per week | If you are designated as the first aid officer and hold a current first aid qualification, you are entitled to a weekly first aid allowance. |
| Laundry allowance (full-time) | $6.25 per week | If your employer requires you to launder your own uniform or work clothing, you are entitled to a weekly laundry allowance. |
| Laundry allowance (part-time or casual) | $1.25 per shift | If your employer requires you to launder your own uniform or work clothing, you are entitled to a per-shift laundry allowance. |
| Liquor licence allowance | $33.12 per week | If you work in a store that holds a liquor licence, you are entitled to a weekly allowance. |
| Meal allowance (overtime — first meal) | $23.59 per meal | If you are required to work overtime without prior notice, you are entitled to a meal allowance when overtime commences. Not payable to casual employees. |
| Meal allowance (overtime — second meal) | $21.39 per meal | If overtime extends beyond 4 hours, an additional meal allowance applies. Not payable to casual employees. |
| Vehicle allowance | $0.98 per km | If you are required to use your own vehicle for work purposes, you are entitled to a per-kilometre allowance. |
See also: Pay rates | Allowances & loadings guide
Source: Fair Work Ombudsman pay guide for MA000004. Allowance amounts are updated annually following the Fair Work Commission Annual Wage Review, typically effective from 1 July.
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