Aussie Workers Set for a $6,000 Superannuation Boost Under Government’s New Payday Super Law

Millions of Australian workers could receive up to $6,000 more in their superannuation savings under a new law introduced by the federal government. The proposed “payday super” legislation aims to mandate that employers pay superannuation contributions at the same time as wages, addressing billions of dollars in unpaid superannuation and boosting retirement savings.

This major reform is expected to improve the financial security of millions of Australians by ensuring more frequent super contributions, allowing workers to benefit from compounding interest.

What is the Payday Superannuation Law?

Currently, Australian employers are required to pay superannuation contributions on a quarterly basis. This system has led to widespread issues of unpaid or delayed super payments, with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) estimating that $5.2 billion in superannuation went unpaid in the 2021-22 financial year.

To combat this, the new payday super law will require employers to pay super at the same time as wages, ensuring that contributions are made on a weekly, fortnightly, or monthly basis, depending on an employee’s pay cycle.

The law is expected to take effect from July 1, 2026, giving businesses ample time to transition to the new system.

How Workers Will Benefit

This reform is designed to enhance retirement savings by ensuring contributions reach super funds faster and start accumulating interest immediately.

Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones explained that under the current system, a 25-year-old worker earning the median income and receiving quarterly super contributions could have $6,000 less at retirement compared to someone whose super is paid with each paycheck.

“This change ensures that every dollar owed to workers in super is paid on time, reducing the risk of unpaid super and maximizing workers’ retirement savings,” Jones said. (Source)

Addressing the Issue of Unpaid Super

Unpaid superannuation has been a persistent issue in Australia, affecting approximately 2.8 million workers each year. Many workers, particularly casual employees and low-income earners, often miss out on their full super entitlements due to employer non-compliance or financial mismanagement.

By aligning super payments with wages, the new law will:

• Increase transparency – Employees will be able to track their super contributions more easily.
• Reduce unpaid super – Employers will no longer be able to delay or avoid making super payments.
• Improve financial security – Workers will see better retirement outcomes thanks to more frequent contributions and compounding growth.

The Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) has welcomed the move, stating that this reform will make it harder for employers to withhold super payments. (Source)

What Does This Mean for Employers?

While this reform is great news for workers, it also places additional compliance requirements on employers.

Under the new law:

• Employers must update payroll systems to ensure super is paid with wages.
• The Superannuation Guarantee charge will be redesigned to ensure workers are fully compensated for any unpaid super.
• Penalties will increase for employers who fail to comply with the new system, with stricter enforcement by the ATO.

The government has opened a consultation period on the draft legislation, allowing businesses and stakeholders to provide feedback until April 11, 2025. (Source)

When Will the Law Take Effect?

The government has set the implementation date for July 1, 2026. This allows businesses time to adapt payroll systems and ensure compliance before the law is enforced.

How to Ensure You’re Receiving Your Super Payments

For employees, it’s crucial to monitor superannuation payments to ensure they are being received on time. Here’s how:

• Check your payslip – Make sure superannuation contributions are included.
• Log into your super fund – Regularly review your account to verify deposits.
• Use the ATO’s superannuation tracking tools – The MyGov portal allows you to check your super balance.
• Report missing super payments – If you suspect your employer is not paying your super, report it to the ATO.

Final Thoughts

The new payday super law represents a significant win for Australian workers, ensuring timely superannuation payments, reducing the issue of unpaid super, and boosting retirement savings.

While employers will need to adjust to the new requirements, the long-term benefits for workers far outweigh the short-term challenges. With billions in lost super each year, this law is a necessary step toward a more transparent and financially secure superannuation system.

To stay updated on the new legislation, visit Services Australia and the Australian Taxation Office.

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Have questions about your superannuation? Let us know in the comments below or visit the ATO’s official website for more information.