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Generational wage war: Is a 20-year-old worth less than a 21-year-old?

Elizabeth Knight Business columnist October 27, 2025 — 3.47pm

Should 18 to 20-year-olds earn less than “adults” doing the same job in retail, fast food or pharmacies? This week the Fair Work Commission will begin adjudicating on this divisive and consequential issue.

Are the half a million 18 to 20-year-olds slower at flipping a burger, scanning a barcode or stacking shelves, or can they match their expertise against a 21-year-old?

As it stands now, workers under 20 are paid 90 per cent of the adult award rate, 19-year-olds 80 per cent of the award rate and 18-year-olds just 70 per cent of full award rates in retail, fast food and pharmacies.

There is a lot to unpac

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