Payday Super’s a win for the workers
30 June 2026
MEDIA RELEASE
Retirement balances for Australia’s blue-collar workers will be boosted tomorrow with the introduction of Payday Super.
The landmark reforms – which CBUS has long advocated for – require employers to pay super at the same time they pay wages, making it easier for workers to track their contributions.
It also means more for members in retirement as those savings compound over time.
CBUS Super Chief Strategy Officer Bernie Dean said the changes represented a win for workers and their future retirements, and would make it easier for employers to manage contributions.
“CBUS has been campaigning for this change for a long time because we know unpaid super is a persistent problem across the building and construction industry,” he said.
“This matters to our members more than most; they deserve to know their super is landing on time which means more time for it to compound and grow.
“CBUS has been working with employers to help prepare them for the introduction of Payday Super and ensure the change is a smooth one.”
CBUS has been a strong advocate for the introduction of Payday Super, having recovered more than $1 billion in unpaid super on behalf of its members over the past 10 years*.
The Fund reclaimed close to $200 million in the 2024-25 financial year alone, including on behalf of more than 29,000 members under the age of 35.
Mr Dean said the new laws would also help ensure workers keep the critical insurance cover provided by super funds like CBUS; insurance lapses if no super has been paid into an account for 16 months.
“The knock-on effects of unpaid super can be disastrous, especially for our members in hazardous occupations when it could cost their insurance cover,” he said.
“CBUS is here to grow members’ retirement savings, but also to provide the safety net they need to protect themselves and their families in case of accident or injury.”
Payday Super is intended to reduce the prevalence of unpaid super, with 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.
“Payday Super will become another key pillar in our world-leading compulsory superannuation system and will help Australian workers retire with dignity and security,” Mr Dean said.
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 30 June 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. Insurance is issued under a group policy with our insurer, TAL Life Limited ABN 70 050 109 450 AFSL 237848.