Main Roads WA has released the final outcomes following industry consultation on proposed changes to the Traffic Management Company Registration Scheme 2026. 

The consultation process ran from 16 April to 7 May 2026 and included feedback from traffic management companies, industry associations, unions, training providers, and other key stakeholders. 

Following the review of submissions, Main Roads WA has approved some proposed changes, modified others, and rejected proposals that did not receive sufficient industry support. 

If you’re involved in traffic management operations, workforce planning, payroll, or compliance, it’s important to understand what these changes mean for your organisation ahead of the upcoming implementation dates. 

What This Means for the Traffic Management Industry 

The Registration Scheme plays an important role in ensuring traffic management companies operating on State Roads meet requirements around safety, capability, employment conditions, and workforce standards. 

The final outcomes aim to: 

• Simplify pay classifications 
• Improve consistency across the industry 
• Align wage increases with Fair Work Commission decisions 
• Reduce administrative complexity for employers 
• Provide greater certainty around workforce classifications

Most approved changes will take effect from 1 October 2026.

Key Changes Summary 

Following consultation with industry stakeholders, Main Roads WA has confirmed the following outcomes: 

Proposal 1: Simplified Pay Classification Structure – APPROVED 

The proposal to reduce the number of pay classifications from six categories to three has been approved. 

The new structure will apply from the first full pay period on or after 1 October 2026. 

An important outcome of this change is that Traffic Controllers will no longer require Letters of Service from October 2026 to demonstrate experience for work under the Registration Scheme. 

Proposal 2: Annual Wage Increases (AWR Alignment) – APPROVED 

The proposal to align Registration Scheme pay rates with the Fair Work Commission’s Annual Wage Review has been approved. 

To provide employers with sufficient time to implement payroll changes, annual rate increases will apply from the first full pay period on or after 1 October each year, rather than immediately following the Fair Work Commission announcement. 

The new minimum base hourly rates effective from 1 October 2026 will be: 

This represents a 4.75% increase following the Fair Work Commission’s 2026 Annual Wage Review decision. Click here to learn more. 

 Further pay information, including overtime, penalty rates, shiftwork provisions, casual rates, daily hire arrangements and Leading Hand loadings, will be published in updated Pay Summary Tables ahead of the 1 October 2026 implementation date. 

Until these new Pay Summary Tables are released, the current Pay Summary Tables remain in effect for the purposes of the Registration Scheme. 

Proposal 3: Shiftwork Interpretation Changes – APPROVED 

The proposal to remove the unique shiftwork interpretation provisions introduced under the Registration Scheme has been approved. 

Effective immediately, companies are no longer required to apply special shiftwork interpretation rules for the purposes of the Registration Scheme. 

Instead, the Building and Construction General On-site Award 2020 is to be interpreted according to its natural meaning. 

This change aims to: 

• Reduce confusion 
• Improve consistency 
• Better align the Registration Scheme with existing industrial instruments 

What Didn’t Change Following Consultation 

Not all proposed changes were adopted by Main Roads WA. 

• The proposed move from qualification-based pay to role-based pay was not approved and will not proceed at this time.  
• The proposal to convert Leading Hand payments into weekly amounts was also not approved, with current hourly loading arrangements remaining in place.  

 These outcomes reflect feedback received from industry stakeholders during the consultation period. 

 To view the complete outcomes, updated Conditions of Registration, and supporting pay information, refer to the new Main Roads WA Conditions of Registration: 

For further information on the Registration Scheme click here. 

Important Reminder: Award Changes Still Apply from 1 July 2026 

While most Registration Scheme changes take effect on 1 October 2026, employers should remember that Fair Work Commission Annual Wage Review changes still apply from 1 July 2026. 

Companies are reminded that compliance with industrial instruments remains a legal requirement and that Registration Scheme requirements must be applied consistently with applicable workplace laws and awards. 

Where uncertainty exists, employers should seek independent industrial relations or legal advice. 

Key Dates and Next Steps 

With several changes approved and different implementation dates applying throughout 2026, traffic management companies should begin reviewing their workforce classifications, payroll systems, and compliance processes now.  

• 1 July 2026
  • Fair Work Commission Annual Wage Review changes take effect under the Building and Construction General On-site Award 2020.
  • Employers must continue to comply with applicable Award obligations from this date. 

• Effective Immediately
  • The approved change to shiftwork interpretation provisions has commenced.
  • Companies are no longer required to apply the Registration Scheme’s unique shiftwork interpretation rules and should instead apply the Building and Construction General On-site Award 2020 according to its natural interpretation. 

• 1 October 2026
  • The new three-category pay classification structure comes into effect.
  • Updated minimum base hourly rates for Categories A, B and C commence.
  • Traffic Controllers will no longer require Letters of Service to demonstrate experience for work under the Registration Scheme. 

What Employers Should Do Now 

To prepare for the upcoming changes, companies should: 

• Review current employee classifications against the new Category A, B and C structure.  
• Assess payroll systems and budgeting for the updated minimum base rates commencing in October.  
• Familiarise management and payroll teams with the revised Registration Scheme requirements.  
• Review shiftwork arrangements to ensure compliance with the Building and Construction General On-site Award 2020.  
• Monitor upcoming Main Roads WA announcements regarding the release of updated Pay Summary Tables. 

Stay Informed 

Don’t miss important updates like these. Visit our Latest News page for the latest Main Roads WA announcements, compliance updates, and traffic management training information. 

Need help understanding the latest industry requirements or planning training for your workforce? Get in touch and contact our team.