Payday Super refers to a legislative reform announced by the Australian Government that will require employers to pay superannuation contributions at the same time as they pay salary and wages to employees. This represents a shift from the current quarterly payment obligation to a more frequent, payday-aligned schedule.
The Payday Super initiative will take effect from 1 July 2026 and is designed to ensure that superannuation is paid more regularly, giving workers, especially younger and lower-income earners, better long-term retirement outcomes.
Treasury – Securing Australians’ Superannuation
The shift to payday-aligned super was proposed to tackle common issues in the super system, including:
According to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), billions of dollars in super go unpaid every year. Payday Super aims to close this gap and protect workers' entitlements in real-time.
Starting 1 July 2026, employers must:
This means your super clearing house and payroll processes must be able to process and settle payments rapidly, with validated data and minimal delay.
Although the new rules won't take effect until 2026, businesses are encouraged to begin preparations now to avoid last-minute issues. Here are key steps to prepare:
Microkeeper has partnered with Beam, a trusted Australian super clearing house, to offer Payday Super readiness ahead of the 2026 mandate. Features include:
Explore Microkeeper’s Payroll & Super Tools
That’s why investing in integrated, award-compliant payroll software is essential for a smooth transition.
Not yet. It becomes mandatory for all Australian employers from 1 July 2026, but early adoption is encouraged.
Yes. Under Payday Super, the data submitted in STP must include the relevant super amounts each time an employee is paid.
The employer may be liable for Super Guarantee Charge (SGC) penalties and risk compliance actions from the ATO.
Yes. Payday Super applies to all eligible employees, including casual, part-time, and full-time workers.
Payday Super is one of the most significant changes to Australia’s superannuation system in years. For businesses, it presents an opportunity to modernise payroll, improve employee trust, and reduce compliance risk. But preparation is key.
By automating your payroll and working with partners like Microkeeper and Beam, your business can be ready well before the deadline, and even gain a competitive advantage by leading the charge.
Disclaimer: This information is for general reference only and does not constitute legal, financial, or tax advice. Always consult with a registered tax or payroll professional regarding your obligations.