SCHADS Award Review 2026: What the Gender Undervaluation Case Means for Social Care

The Fair Work Commission (FWC) is conducting a major, multi-year review into gender-based undervaluation across key Modern Awards covering industries dominated by women. The aim of the review is to ensure fair and equal pay for work that has historically been undervalued due to gender-related biases in minimum pay rates and job classifications.

This review was established as part of the 2023–24 Annual Wage Review, with a focus on work value grounds and gender pay equity.

Which Awards Are Being Reviewed?

The FWC identified five “priority” awards in need of evaluation:

Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010 (SCHADS Award)

Children’s Services Award 2010

Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020

Pharmacy Industry Award 2020

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers & Practitioners Award 2020

Why This Review Matters

The Commission’s assessment centres on whether minimum wage rates and classification structures reflect the true value of the work performed, especially in industries where female participation is high and traditional award rates may not adequately recognise skill, responsibility, or contribution.

If the Commission finds evidence of gender-based undervaluation, it can vary classifications and minimum rates in Modern Awards — which could ultimately mean significant changes to how workers are paid and classified.

What Has Happened So Far?
Initial Decision (April 2025)

In April 2025, an Expert Panel released its first major decision in the review. The Panel found that several classifications in priority awards, including the SCHADS Award, had indeed been subject to gender-based undervaluation.

For the Pharmacy Award, the Panel already confirmed staged minimum wage increases totalling ~14.1%, phased across June 2025 to June 2027.

For the remaining priority awards — including SCHADS — provisional views were shared, and the Commission is working through consultation and hearing processes to finalise proposals.

Key Issues Under Consideration (Including SCHADS)

Although the final outcomes are still in progress, the Commission is specifically considering:

🔹 Classification structure reform — particularly for the SCHADS Award, where multiple separate systems might be replaced by a simplified, unified classification system that better recognises caring skills and experience.
🔹 Minimum wage changes — potential increases to award minimum rates to remediate undervaluation.
🔹 Work value findings — enhancing fairness for roles like social and community services employees, home care workers, and disability support staff.

Where the Review Is at Now (Early 2026)

The FWC’s official page confirms the review is ongoing, with more detailed changes still being finalised for the SCHADS Award and others. Stakeholders continue to be invited to provide submissions and feedback as part of this formal process.

This means the broader outcomes — including how pay scales and classifications might shift — are still emerging and likely to evolve throughout 2026 and beyond.

Why This Matters for the Community Services Sector

For organisations, workers and HR teams in social care, disability services, home care, and related industries:

✨ It reflects a national effort to address historic pay inequities
✨ It may impact job classifications, wage rates, and workforce planning
✨ It emphasises the value of care and community work in Australia’s economy

Staying informed and engaged with this review helps employers and employees prepare for change — particularly as decisions begin to affect work conditions and remuneration in your sector.