1. The 60-Hour Proposal vs. Current Reality

It is vital to distinguish between what is being discussed in Parliament and what is currently enforceable by the Department of Home Affairs.

• The Proposal: The Liberal-National Coalition has proposed increasing the work limit from 48 to 60 hours per fortnight, effective 1 July 2026. This is designed to help students manage the rising cost of living and fill labor shortages in sectors like hospitality and retail.
• The Current Law: As of April 2026, the legal limit remains 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session.
• The Penalty: Working more than 48 hours right now is a visa breach and can lead to visa cancellation. Do not increase your hours until an official legislative change is confirmed and active.

2. Who is Exempt from Limits in 2026?

Even under the current 48-hour rule, some students have unlimited work rights:

• Masters by Research & PhD Students: Once your course starts, you have no work hour restrictions.
• Scheduled Course Breaks: All students can work unlimited hours during official university holidays (e.g., Summer or Winter breaks).
• Mandatory Placements: If your work is a registered, mandatory part of your CRICOS course (like nursing clinicals), those hours do not count toward your fortnightly limit.

3. How to Calculate Your Hours (The 14-Day Rule)

In 2026, the Department of Home Affairs calculates a “fortnight” as a 14-day period starting on a Monday.

• Common Mistake: Thinking the 48 hours “resets” every week.
• The Math: If you work 30 hours in Week A, you can only work 18 hours in Week B.
• Tracking: Use an app or a simple Google Sheet to log your “Clock-In” and “Clock-Out” times. Under the 2026 compliance focus, “waiting for a gig” (like Uber Eats or DoorDash) often counts as being “at work” if you are logged into the app.

4. 2026 Workplace Rights & Minimum Wage

Whether the limit is 48 or 60 hours, your rights as a worker in Australia remain the same:

• Minimum Wage: As of early 2026, ensure you are being paid at least the national minimum rate (approx. $24.10/hr + casual loading).
• Superannuation: If you earn over a certain threshold, your employer must pay into your Super fund (currently around 11.5%).
• The “Visa Guarantee”: If you are exploited at work, you can report it to the Fair Work Ombudsman without fear of your visa being cancelled, even if you accidentally worked over your hour limit.