A major superannuation change is coming that will affect more than 14 million Australian workers—and many employers are still in the dark. Starting on July 1, businesses will be required to pay superannuation at the same time as wages, rather than on a quarterly basis. This change could have big implications for your retirement savings, but many employers are racing to figure out how to implement the new rules. So, what does this mean for you, and how can you get ready?
A New Rule to Boost Superannuation Payments
From July 1, employers will no longer be able to delay paying their employees’ super until the end of the quarter. Instead, super contributions will need to be paid each time an employee receives their wages—whether that’s weekly, fortnightly, or monthly. This will ensure that the money has more time to grow, potentially increasing workers’ retirement savings, explains 9News.
This change is part of a larger push to make the superannuation system more efficient and transparent. But there’s a catch: many employers aren’t fully prepared for the shift, which could lead to confusion or mistakes. According to Employment Hero’s superannuation general manager Rob Dunn, nearly 58% of employers are unaware of the upcoming deadline, which means they haven’t started adjusting their processes yet.
What This Means for Employers and Workers
For employers, the shift will require updated payroll systems to accommodate the new rules. Businesses, especially small ones, are feeling the pressure to adapt in time. Jodie Williams, a small business owner, expressed concerns about the impact on cash flow, saying, “There’ll be times when cash flow could be an issue.”
For workers, this change could be a game-changer. While the impact on take-home pay might not be immediately noticeable, receiving super contributions with each paycheck means your retirement savings will have more time to grow. For example, a 25-year-old whose super is paid fortnightly rather than quarterly could see an additional $4,300 by the time they retire. It’s not a small sum, especially over decades of work.
How to Ensure Your Super Is Paid Correctly
Employees should take advantage of the Australian Tax Office’s online tools to track whether the correct amount of super is being paid. On payday, make sure 12% of your earnings are being deposited into your super fund. If something’s missing, it’s important to act quickly. Start by talking to your employer, and if that doesn’t work, you can lodge a complaint with the ATO.
It’s also worth noting that the sooner the superannuation money hits the fund, the more time it has to grow. The power of compounding interest means that every extra day your money is invested adds to its growth. So, even a small change in payment timing could make a big difference over time.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Workers and Employers?
The clock is ticking. With the July 1 deadline fast approaching, employers need to act now to ensure they can meet the new requirements. For workers, it’s a good opportunity to take a more active role in monitoring their super and making sure it’s being paid correctly.
These changes are designed to help build better retirement outcomes for all Australians, but the responsibility is shared between both workers and employers. As long as everyone is prepared and stays informed, this superannuation shake-up could be a positive step forward for retirement security across the country.
