23 March 2025
MEDIA RELEASE

One in 10 mostly younger tradies and construction workers suffered unpaid super, new analysis from industry super fund CBUS reveals.

Nearly 30,000 CBUS members under 35, just over 10% of the age cohort, missed out on or were delayed payments worth thousands during the last financial year.

The analysis was released as CBUS Super urges employers to get ready for Payday Super which is just 100 days away.

CBUS Super Chief Member Officer Tom Garcia said the shift to Payday Super would ensure super is paid on time, protecting worker entitlements and leaving no room for the employers that try to dodge it.

“Whether we’re collecting late contributions or chasing the small number of dodgy bosses who simply weren’t going to pay, these young workers are the ones paying the price,” he said.

“If it isn’t in their accounts generating compound returns, they’re losing out in retirement.

“Payday Super is going to change all of that, putting more dollars in their pocket when they’re ready to clock off come retirement.”

He also warned businesses that fail to prepare for the July 1 change could be left exposed.

“With only 100 days to go employers should start preparing now, or risk falling afoul of the new laws,” Mr Garcia said.

“Take the time to understand the new rules and what they mean for your business, make sure cashflows and payroll processes are ready, and get your house in order.

“Payday Super is coming and you need to be prepared.”

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.

Payday Super will come into effect on July 1, requiring all employers to pay super at the same time they pay ordinary wages.

That means billions more for members in retirement as those savings compound over time.

“We know from experience that unpaid super is all too common for workers in the building and construction industry,” Mr Garcia said.

“These changes mean super contributions will be in accounts on payday and generating returns to support a more comfortable retirement.

“It will make it easier for workers to keep track of super payments and play a key role in lessening the unpaid super scourge.

“It ensures businesses that do the right thing aren’t undercut by those failing to meet their super obligations.”

Employers will face updated penalties and charges from July 1 for missed, late or underpaid super contributions, including interest on shortfalls and additional penalties for repeat offenders.

Employers can visit the CBUS Payday Super hub for more information.

Media enquiries: media@cbussuper.com.au or +61 3 9100 4930

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 23 March 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.