What small businesses need to know with six weeks left to Payday Super
20 May 2026
Media Release
Payday Super is around the corner and small businesses are on the clock to get sorted, with just weeks to go until major changes to the way super is paid.
Industry super fund CBUS has been running a series of webinars to help employers get ready for the new laws which come into effect on July 1 this year, with thousands attending in recent months to seek practical advice on how to prepare.
CBUS Super Chief Member Officer Tom Garcia said while the new rules would be a boon for workers, it could mean significant changes to payroll processes for businesses.
“The introduction of Payday Super is going to be slightly different for each business, depending on things like how they manage cashflows. We’re doing everything we can to help them prepare,” he said.
“We’ve had thousands attend our series of webinars on the topic, and we’re hearing the same themes again and again.
“Most employers want clarity, certainty and reassurance they can stay compliant without overhauling everything they do today.”
The most frequently asked questions from these webinars have been:
- What is the seven day rule, when does it start and how does it apply?
- Can we keep using our current payroll system or process?
- Will paying super in advance cause problems?
- Who counts as an employee e.g. sole traders vs sub-contractors?
- How do rejected payments impact employers?
- Which financial year do June or July payments count in?
Mr Garcia said the high level of interest in the CBUS webinars and the consistent themes being raised by attendees showed there was still more to be done to prepare for Payday Super.
“What we’ve learned from the thousands who’ve attended our webinars is that employers are wary of any additional administrative burden from this change” he said.
“It’s clear that employers are looking for practical advice for the situations that could trip them up — for example, what happens if the person who processes payroll is on leave. We’re doing our part to help them feel prepared for this major change.
“Employers can take some steps to ensure they’re ready for July 1 – visit our Payday Super hub, plan your payroll processes and policies, pilot some payday-aligned payments, and prepare your staff by running some test payrolls.”
CBUS has been a strong advocate for the introduction of Payday Super, having fought to recover more than $1 billion in unpaid super on behalf of its members over the past 10 years*.
The Fund recovered close to $200 million in the last financial year alone, including on behalf of more than 29,000 members under the age of 35.
The Payday Super laws will come into effect on July 1, requiring all employers to pay super at the same time they pay ordinary wages.
That means more for members in retirement as those savings compound over time.
Employers will face updated penalties and charges to be imposed by the Australian Tax Office from July 1 for missed, late or underpaid super contributions, including interest on shortfalls and additional penalties for repeat offenders. The costs for failing to comply with the legislation could quickly add up.
“I’d encourage any businesses still asking questions to jump onto our Payday Super landing page, give us a call or sign up for our final webinar in early June,” Mr Garcia said.
“It’s in everyone’s interests to get this transition right.”
Employers can visit the CBUS Payday Super hub for more information: cbussuper.com.au/payday-super
Media enquiries: media@cbussuper.com.au or +61 3 9100 4930
*CBUS proactively recovered more than $1.13 billion in unpaid super for our members over 10 years to 30 June 2025
Cbus Super is the leading Industry Super Fund representing those that help build, maintain and shape Australia. As one of Australia’s largest super funds, we provide superannuation and income stream accounts to more than 925,000 members and we manage more than $110 billion of our members’ money (as at 31 December 2025). As of April 2022, Cbus merged with Media Super and offers Media Super products. In May 2023 Cbus Super successfully completed its merger with EISS Super, welcoming 17,000 new members and establishing itself as the leading fund for energy and electrical workers in Australia.
This information is about Cbus Super. It doesn’t account for your specific needs. Please consider your financial position, objectives and requirements before making financial decisions. Read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and Target Market Determination to decide if Cbus Super is right for you. Call 1300 361 784 or visit cbussuper.com.au.
Issued 20 May 2026. United Super Pty Ltd ABN 46 006 261 623 AFSL 233792 as trustee for Construction and Building Unions Superannuation Fund (Cbus and/or Cbus Super) ABN 75 493 363 262.