Payday Super: What Businesses Need to Know

From 1 July 2026, employers across Australia will need to pay their employees’ superannuation on payday, rather than quarterly. This major reform, known as “Payday Super”, is one of the most significant payroll updates in recent years — and it’s essential that businesses start preparing now.

What is Changing?

• Current rule: Super guarantee contributions are due quarterly.

• New rule (from July 2026): Employers must pay super at the same time as wages and salaries.

Why the Change?

The Australian Government introduced payday super to:

• Ensure employees’ retirement savings grow sooner (no long delays between payment and fund deposit).

• Reduce unpaid or missed super contributions.

• Create more transparency and fairness in the system.

What Does This Mean for Employers?

1. Cash Flow Planning Businesses will need to adjust their payroll cycles and ensure cash flow can cover both wages and super at the same time.

2. Payroll Systems Upgrade Software providers (e.g. Xero, QuickBooks, Employment Hero) will roll out updates to support payday super. Employers should keep an eye out for these changes.

3. Compliance Risk Paying late will still attract the Super Guarantee Charge (SGC), so accuracy and timeliness will become even more critical.

4. Employee Trust Staff will see super landing in their accounts more frequently — a positive step for engagement and transparency.

At Miss Appletree, we help businesses stay ahead of payroll compliance and policy changes. From system set-up to cash flow planning and tender management, our team makes sure you’re ready for upcoming reforms like payday super.