yes award wages are the standard amount they pay according to your industry
e.g my award wage for aged care is 12.89 but since i'm in a private institution they pay 14.43 per hour. this is before tax, before allowances, etc.
award wage should also include uniform/laundry and, if you are part/full time, 4 weeks annual leave 2 weeks sick pay and if you work 40 hour weeks then every month you have a flexi (just a day off)
casuals get 10% loading but no holiday/sick leave.
that's the general jist of award wage..