Horse and Greyhound Training 2025 Pay Rates (MA000008)

Plain-English Summary

Who does this award cover?

The Horse and Greyhound Training covers employees working in horse training stables and greyhound training establishments, including stable hands, track riders, stable forepersons, and greyhound attendants. If you work in a racing stable caring for, exercising, or training horses or greyhounds, this award applies to you. It covers approximately 12,000 workers across Australia.

This award does NOT cover jockeys (who are typically independent contractors), racing club employees (Racing Clubs Events Award, MA000013), or racetrack ground maintenance workers (Racing Industry Ground Maintenance Award, MA000014). See clause 4.1 for the full coverage terms.

How classification levels work

The award has classification levels based on duties and experience. Stable hand and kennel hand positions are entry-level, progressing through experienced stable hand, track rider, and stable foreperson roles. Greyhound training has a similar progression from kennel attendant to experienced handler.

Key features of this award

The racing industry operates early mornings and weekends, so penalty rates for early starts and weekend work are particularly relevant. Many employees in this industry start work before dawn for track work and stable duties.

Classification Levels and Base Rates

All rates effective 1 July 2025. Source: Fair Work Commission Annual Wage Review 2024-25.

Refer to the Fair Work Commission pay guide for MA000008 for current dollar amounts for each classification level. Hourly rate = weekly rate / 38. Casual rate = hourly rate x 1.25.

Penalty Rates

Penalty rate multipliers from the Fair Work Commission penalty rate schedule for MA000008. All penalties are calculated on the base hourly rate.

The award specifies penalty rates ranging from 100% to 200% depending on when and how you work.

Full-Time and Part-Time Employees

Casual Employees

Penalty rate categories in this award

The following penalty rate descriptions apply under MA000008:

• Casual hourly rate
• Monday to Saturday - After 3 hours
• Monday to Saturday - First 3 hours
• Ordinary hours
• Public holiday
• Sunday

Casual penalty rates include the 25% casual loading. Refer to the specific award clauses for exact percentages applicable to each classification level and employment type.

Worked Examples

Example 1: Casual worker on a Sunday

A casual employee working a 3 hours-hour minimum shift on a Sunday.

• Base hourly rate: refer to your classification level in the MA000008 pay guide
• Sunday casual rate: base rate x Sunday casual penalty percentage
• Minimum payment: Sunday casual rate x 3 hours hours
• Clause reference: refer to casual penalty rates clause

Example 2: Full-time worker on a public holiday

A full-time employee working an 8-hour public holiday shift.

• Base hourly rate: refer to your classification level in the MA000008 pay guide
• Public holiday rate: base rate x public holiday percentage (up to 200%)
• Total: public holiday rate x 8 hours
• Clause reference: refer to public holiday clause

Example 3: Part-time worker with overtime

A part-time employee who works 2 hours beyond their rostered hours on a weekday.

• Base hourly rate: refer to your classification level in the MA000008 pay guide
• Overtime rate: base rate x overtime percentage
• Clause reference: refer to overtime clause

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I get paid extra for early morning starts?

The award provides for ordinary hours that may start very early in the morning to accommodate track work schedules. Penalty rates apply for work on weekends and public holidays.

2. Are track riders covered by this award?

Yes, track riders who are employees (not independent contractors) are covered. They are classified at the appropriate level based on their experience and qualifications.

3. What about live-in stable employees?

Some stable employees may receive accommodation as part of their employment arrangement. The award contains provisions regarding deductions for board and lodging where provided by the employer.

4. What is the minimum shift length under this award?

The minimum engagement for casual and part-time employees is 3 hours per shift. Even if you are sent home early, you must be paid for the minimum shift length.

5. How do I check my exact pay rate?

Use our free calculator or refer to the Fair Work Commission pay guide for MA000008. You can also contact the Fair Work Ombudsman on 13 13 94 for free advice.

Check Your Rate

Working in horse and greyhound racing and want to know your exact pay rate? Use our free calculator to check.

Check your pay rate now

Select your classification level, employment type, and the days and times you work.

Schema Markup Suggestions

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Table Schema (Dataset)

• name: "Horse and Greyhound Training MA000008 Pay Rates July 2025"
• description: "Classification levels and penalty rates for employees in horse and greyhound training stables under the Horse and Greyhound Training"
• temporalCoverage: "2025-07-01/.."
• creator: Fair Work Commission
• license: CC BY 4.0

Breadcrumb Schema

Home > Awards > Horse and Greyhound Training (MA000008)

Rates current as of 1 July 2025. Source: Fair Work Commission, CC BY 4.0. This information is general in nature and is not legal advice. Always verify rates against the Fair Work Ombudsman's Pay and Conditions Tool (PACT) at calculate.fairwork.gov.au.