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Metropolitan Newspapers (South Australia and Tasmania) Printing Award pay rates 2026–27
The minimum hourly rates and penalty rates under the Metropolitan Newspapers (South Australia and Tasmania) Printing Award 2015 [MA000130], in force from 1 July 2026. The lowest adult rate is $23.78 an hour, or $29.73 for casuals.
Minimum hourly rates
Adult rates per hour. The casual rate includes the casual loading. Junior, apprentice and trainee rates are set separately in the award.
| Classification | Full-time & part-time | Casual |
|---|---|---|
| 80 — Not otherwise specified (1Jul24-31Dec24) | $23.78 | $29.73 |
| 80 — Not otherwise specified | $26.44 | $33.05 |
| 84 — Proof readers assistant | $26.50 | $33.13 |
| 84 — Other publishing duties not otherwise specified | $26.50 | $33.13 |
| 85 — Production assistant 1 | $26.67 | $33.34 |
| 85 — Under wrapper / Wire tyer operator | $26.67 | $33.34 |
| 85 — Marker and/or Label hand | $26.67 | $33.34 |
| 85 — Fork-lift or Crane driver (Adelaide and Hobart) | $26.67 | $33.34 |
| 86.2 — Counter stacker operator | $26.88 | $33.60 |
| 86.2 — Motor driver | $26.88 | $33.60 |
| 92.5 — Production assistant 2 | $27.98 | $34.98 |
| 98.5 — Publishing operator | $29.08 | $36.35 |
| 100 — Printing machinist 1 | $29.45 | $36.81 |
| 100 — Hobart Only | $29.45 | $36.81 |
| 100 — Printing engineer [#t] | $29.45 | $36.81 |
| 100 — Pre press operator 1 | $29.45 | $36.81 |
| 100 — Maintenance tradesperson [#t] | $29.45 | $36.81 |
| 100 — Motor mechanic [#t] | $29.45 | $36.81 |
| 100 — Compositor / Ad builder [#t] | $29.45 | $36.81 |
| 100 — Adelaide and Hobart | $29.45 | $36.81 |
| 100 — Printing electrician [#t] | $29.45 | $36.81 |
| 100 — Tradesmen | $29.45 | $36.81 |
| 100 — Printing machinist [#t] | $29.45 | $36.81 |
| 105 — Printing machinist 2 | $30.38 | $37.98 |
| 105 — Pre press operator 2 | $30.38 | $37.98 |
| 110 — Printing machinist 3 | $31.29 | $39.11 |
| 111.6 — Technician | $31.51 | $39.39 |
| 117.4 — Senior technician | $32.57 | $40.71 |
| 120 — Printing machinist 4 | $32.98 | $41.22 |
Source: the Fair Work Commission's published rates. Check them against the award or the Fair Work Ombudsman's pay guide.
Metropolitan Newspapers (South Australia and Tasmania) Printing Award: common questions
What is the minimum pay rate under the Metropolitan Newspapers (South Australia and Tasmania) Printing Award?
From 1 July 2026, the lowest adult classification, 80 — Not otherwise specified (1Jul24-31Dec24), is $23.78 an hour for full-time and part-time employees and $29.73 an hour for casuals, which includes the casual loading. Higher classifications are paid more; the full table is on this page.
When do Metropolitan Newspapers (South Australia and Tasmania) Printing Award pay rates change?
The Fair Work Commission reviews minimum wages every year, and new rates usually apply from the first full pay period on or after 1 July. The rates on this page apply from 1 July 2026.
How do I check a payslip against the Metropolitan Newspapers (South Australia and Tasmania) Printing Award?
Upload the payslip to FairCheck's free payslip check. It reads the pay lines, confirms the award and classification with you, and shows whether the rates, penalties and super meet this award, with the reasoning for every line.