With Payday Super now only weeks away, businesses have a short window to make sure their payroll systems, processes and cash-flow planning are ready.
Our latest Survey of Business Expectations Report, to be released next Tuesday, shows most businesses are either ready or close to ready for the new rules. While this is encouraging, not all businesses are there yet. Any business still working through the detail needs to act now.
From 1 July 2026, employers will need to pay super at the same time as wages, rather than treating it as a quarterly payment. In most cases, super will need to be received by the employee’s fund within seven business days of payday.
The change is not just about when super leaves the bank account. Businesses need to make sure payroll software is ready, clearing house arrangements are in place, employee super details are current, and internal responsibilities are clear. They should also consider the cash-flow impact of moving from quarterly super payments to payments aligned with each pay cycle.
Businesses should also check they understand which payments attract super, how new starters will be handled, and who is responsible for fixing any rejected or delayed payments.
There is still time to get the basics in order, but this should not be left until the final days of June.
To support members, the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry has prepared practical fact sheets covering the key steps employers should work through before 1 July. These include checking current arrangements, planning the transition, reviewing cash flow, confirming payroll software is ready and ensuring the business is no longer relying on the Small Business Superannuation Clearing House.
For businesses that are already prepared, now is the time for a final tidy-up.
For those still working through the change, the message is clear: use the next few weeks to check your systems, speak with your accountant, bookkeeper or payroll provider, and make sure you are ready before Payday Super commences.
Earlier this year, we hosted a webinar to help businesses understand the practical implications of Payday Super and the steps needed to prepare. Businesses looking to learn more or revisit the discussion can access the webinar resources here.
