What was debated: Treasury Laws Amendment (Payday Superannuation) Bill 2025
Summarised using AI from the official Hansard transcript of the debate only. It is not a record of the debate and may leave things out. Read the Hansard below to check it.
This bill requires employers, from 1 July 2026, to pay workers' super at the same time as wages, with the money reaching the fund within seven business days of payday. It also redesigns the penalty charge for late or unpaid super and helps the tax office spot missed payments sooner. Debate focused on unpaid super, the impact on small business cash flow and the start date, and super for workers under 18.
Arguments made in support
The government said about $5.2 billion in super goes unpaid each year, and paying it with wages makes missed payments easier to spot and recover.
Labor speakers said earlier payments grow through compound interest, leaving a typical 25-year-old about $6,000 better off at retirement.
Government members said unpaid super hits young, low-paid, casual workers and women hardest, and stops dodgy businesses undercutting honest ones.
Labor speakers said the tax office will take a lenient approach in the first year for employers genuinely trying to comply.
The Coalition, Greens and crossbench member Rebekha Sharkie said they supported the principle of paying super on payday.
Arguments made against, or for changes
Coalition speakers said Treasury advised an 18-month lead time, and moved to delay the start for businesses with fewer than 20 staff.
Coalition and One Nation senators said closing the free small business clearing house and the tight timeline would burden small businesses.
One Nation opposed the bill, arguing it brings forward costs that could lead small businesses to cut staff or close.
The Greens moved to give super to all workers under 18 regardless of hours, and later moved to disallow a regulation keeping that exclusion.
The Greens' Senate motion, which passed, called on the government to regulate super fund advertising when people start new jobs.
85 speeches by 31 members in the House and Senate over 6 sitting days.
Hansard: House of Representatives, 9 Oct 2025 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: House of Representatives, 29 Oct 2025 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: House of Representatives, 30 Oct 2025 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: Senate, 3 Nov 2025 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: Senate, 4 Nov 2025 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: Senate, 30 June 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Australia's Voice
1 Yes
0 No
The last column counts members who did not vote. Party counts are for current members.
2 votes were cast by people who have since left Parliament.
Every party member who voted went with the majority of their party.