Why is it NOT customary to tip servers/waiters & other hospitality people in Austrailia?

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tentofield

We don't have slaves in Australia. We pay our workers a decent wage. Our workers do not rely on tips to exist, they get an award wage with penalty rates for after hours and weekends. Even taxi drivers get a fair cut of the fare so you don't tip them either.

Many Australians will round up a taxi fare or a restaurant bill to the nearest convenient note but there is no way we would even consider 10% or more as a requirement. If we get service above and beyond the call of duty, yes we will tip well but we don't tip people for doing the job they are paid to do.

Kevin

I'm not sure, I think it's just cause they pay the employees enough money here so they don't need tips. In most places you can tip if you really want to and they'll probably accept it, but I think some places do have policies against tipping.

tuppenybitz

unlike many countries Australians are paid an award wage which is much higher than the basic wage that some countries pay these types of employees

liz down under

There is a high minimum wage in Australia (about $16-17 per hour even for the worst jobs). We are expected to to a good job without crawling for tips. Australians will tip for extra special service. I'm surprised that people turned tips down when offered. The only people not allowed by law to accept tips are croupiers etc. in casinos.

amandajayneelizabeth

Just like it is part of your country's culture to tip over here it is equally part of ours NOT to tip. People in Australia all work for decent wages (we have minimum wages to ensure that and quite strong unions). There isn't the class difference in this area of employment that I noticed whilst in America. Our housekeepers, etc are treated the same as all other workers. Just enjoy the fact you don't have to tip. That said we loved the novelty of tipping whilst in America but would love to know all the rules and customs that go along with it.

mmdjaajl

the employer payes them to do the job
so no tip is required

Stiffler

Because our employment system is no where near as screwed as the american system (our minimum wage is more then double). Because of this we expect people to be able to make their living from their wage without tips. As a result you will find prices for things like food are slightly higher here (employers have to cover the wage expense).
Tips are nice, but not really necessesary. If someone goes above and beyond I give one. It isn't that often.

if they work for a company sometimes there are policies against taking tips. it does happen.

Mel

It is against our customs and some employers will ban it for various reasons such as theft, unfairness between staff, expectations of the tips (i.e. sexual favors), etc..

In Australia, wages are alot higher then those in the USA. For anyone working casual over the age of 21. The least you would expect to earn is $20 per hour.

This can go down a bit for part time and full time employees as you then get other income through paid sick leave, paid annual leave and paid long service leave. But most employees over 21 in any work get at least $15 per hour.

Chris B

I know our dollar is horrible compared to their currency, but was unaware about the tips there!

starryluvly

I don't think it's customary to tip the individuals... but there's a tip jar at the front of most restaurants/cafe if you really did want to tip.

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