Update to Payment Standards and new content in NAVA’s Code of Practice

As announced in June, NAVA has applied a 2.25% increase to the Payment Standards. This figure sits between typical indexation rates for multi-year government contracts and the 3.5% increase to the National Minimum Wage and minimum award wages recently set by the Fair Work Commission (FWC). 

The increase has been applied to the following fee and wage categories:

• Artist Fees (New Work)
• Loans
• Touring
• Research and Development
• Workshops
• Judging and Assessing
• Wages for management roles and arts workers

Other payment updates:

• Performance rates have been adjusted in line with the Live Performance Award (LPA).
• Front of House staff at small organisations now start at the National Minimum Wage
• Administration Officer wages have been updated in line with the FWC’s minimum wage increase.
• Freelance rates from the Australian Society of Authors (ASA) have been updated to reflect current recommendations.
• Licensing rates are under review by the Copyright Agency. For the most accurate and up-to-date figures, contact: visualarts@copyright.com.au.

The superannuation guarantee increased to 12%, in line with the legislated rise in employer contributions. This is the final increase in a five-year series of rises.

As of 1 July 2025:

• The National Minimum Wage increased to $948 per week or $24.95 per hour.
• Casual employees must receive at least $31.19 per hour (inclusive of the 25% casual loading).
• The 3.5% increase also applies to minimum rates under modern awards.

The new rates apply from the first full pay period starting on or after 1 July 2025. For example, if your pay period starts on Wednesday, new rates apply from Wednesday 2 July.

This decision reflects the FWC’s intent to address the real-term decline in wages for low-paid workers due to inflation since 2021. The full decision is available on the FWC website.

New content has been added across the Exhibiting, Commissioning, and Touring sections of the Code to support good practice when working with performers in visual arts contexts.

The updates reference the Precarious Movements Sector Resource, a practical guide developed through a multi-year research partnership between University New South Wales (UNSW), National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), TATE UK, Art Gallery New South Wales (AGNSW) and Monash University Museum of Art (MUMA) and independent artist Shelley Lasica. NAVA contributed to its development and continues to support the publication by hosting the website.

Other changes to the Code include:

• Audio version of the Summary of Good Practice Recommendations across the Principles, Ethics and Rights chapter.
• Updated terminology in Access Rights for d/Deaf and Disabled People aligned with NAVA’s Disability Action Plan 2025–2027.
• New content in the Gender Equity section referencing the Work Health and Safety (Sexual and Gender-based Harassment) Code of Practice.
• Nine Auslan videos across the following Code sections:
• Artist-Run Initiatives
• Commissioning New Work
• Commissioning Art in Public Space
• Festivals
• Funding
• Insurance
• Publicly Funded Galleries Selling Work
• Selling Online
• Workplace Health and Safety
• Resale Royalty entitlements expanded to include 17 countries that have reciprocal arrangements with Australia in 2024 and an additional 9 countries were added from 31 March 2025.

NAVA will soon begin consultation to develop new Code content supporting parents and carers in the visual arts, craft and design. We welcome contributions from artists, arts workers and organisations to help shape this work. Subscribe to NAVA news to stay informed.

The Code is a collaborative and evolving resource. We welcome your feedback, which can be submitted via the ‘Feedback’ button found throughout the Code website: code.visualarts.net.au.

Photo by Leeroy Todd Photo and Film, 2024.

ID: A close-up photo of a person's hands holding a printed card featuring NAVA’s Code of Practice for Visual Arts, Craft and Design. The card explains that the Payment Standards provide recommended benchmarks for fees and wages and include guidance on superannuation, taxation, and allowances. The NAVA logo is visible in the top right corner, and a call-to-action reads: “Join or donate to support NAVA’s work.” An abstract green and grey illustration is partially visible on the right.