Payday Super: Major operational changes ahead for Aussie employers

Two-thirds (66%) of Australian businesses expect Payday Super will require moderate to significant operational changes, highlighting the scale of reform facing employers from 1 July 2026.

While the change is designed to help working Australians receive their super sooner and more reliably, Rest’s research report Payday Super: How Australian employers are preparing for the big shift¹, highlights the operational changes to payroll, employee onboarding and superannuation payments businesses foresee.

Over half (54%) of businesses expect to change their superannuation and payroll systems, a further 27% expect to invest in a new payroll or superannuation system, while 16% plan to automate the super process through either their accounting software or a superannuation clearing house.

Micro businesses are twice as likely to expect no changes to their operations compared to large organisations (36% versus 16%). While this may reflect greater reliance on payroll platforms with embedded super contribution solutions, some smaller businesses may still be underestimating the practical impact of Payday Super on their systems, processes and cash flow.

The research found that:

• 94% of businesses are confident their systems can support the change
• 44% of businesses expect increased operational costs and cash flow impacts
• 37% of businesses are concerned about the compliance burden associated with the reforms
• 35% of businesses are concerned about additional administration requirements
• 32% of businesses are already spending more than 11 hours per month managing their superannuation obligations. 

Rest: reform highlights the need for practical support for employers

Simone Van Veen, Chief Member Officer at Rest, said Payday Super is an important reform and the findings reinforce the need to support employers before and after 1 July.

“Payday Super is good for working Australians and Rest’s more than 2.1 million members because it gives members greater visibility and confidence that contributions are being paid as expected, while supporting long-term retirement outcomes. Rest has long advocated for this change.” Ms Van Veen said.

“We know many businesses feel prepared for the transition and have already made significant changes to their super systems and payroll processes already. For those still preparing, there is still time, and clear guidance and practical tools are available to help make the transition as straightforward as possible.”

Ms Van Veen said employer feedback had played a central role in how Rest has approached Payday Super readiness.

“Over 300,000 employers trust Rest, and we’re focused on helping them prepare and navigate the transition with confidence. This includes our clearing house solution Rest Pay* in direct response to what employers told us they needed — a simpler, more seamless way to manage super payments as Payday Super comes into effect,” she said.

“Our focus is on helping employers transition with confidence, without adding administrative burden, so they can stay focused on running their business and supporting their teams.”

“Rest Pay is a key part of Rest’s commitment to simplifying super administration for businesses, while supporting better long-term retirement outcomes for our members.”

Rest encourages employers to continue preparing ahead of 1 July by reviewing payroll processes, assessing system capability and planning for more frequent super payments.

Access the full report here: Payday Super: How Australian employers are preparing for the big shift.