Payday Super: What July 2026 Means for Your Pay Cycle

The clock is officially ticking. As of 1 July 2026, construction businesses and all other employers will need to pay superannuation at the same time wages are hit their workers’ accounts. This change isn’t just another compliance tweak; it’s a significant shift aimed at protecting employees' entitlements. Here's what you need to know, and importantly, what you need to do to ensure you're ready.

What Jul 2026 Means for Your Pay Cycle

Why the Change?

This government move is designed to address a widespread issue across some industries: delayed or unpaid superannuation contributions (often referred to as "super theft"). It’s a practice that leaves workers shortchanged and undermines their retirement savings. The new rules close this gap, ensuring that super is paid on time, every time. It’s about fairness and accountability, two values the construction industry knows well.

What’s Changing?

Starting 1 July 2026, any time you process wages, you’ll need to deposit superannuation contributions for your workers on the same day. Additionally, there’s a strict new requirement: those super payments must reach your employees' super funds within seven days of payday.

Previously, employers had more flexibility, paying superannuation quarterly. But this change aligns super closer with payroll, providing timely payments your team can see and rely on.

What Does This Mean for Your Business?

For construction businesses, where payroll can be complex, this overhaul is a call to action. From apprentices to subcontractors on staff, you’ll need an airtight system in place to handle these simultaneous payments. Here's what you’ll need to focus on:

• Streamline Payroll Processes: Ensure your payroll system can handle same-day super payments. Any inefficiencies need to be addressed sooner rather than later.

• Cash Flow Management: Paying wages and super on the same day might create cash flow pressures. It’s time to reassess your business budget and ensure you’re prepared for the shift.

• Super Fund Compliance: Super funds must receive your payments within seven days of your wage payment date, no exceptions. Late payments may incur fines or penalties.

This isn’t a “set-and-forget” situation. It’s a sharp turnaround, and getting it right is critical for compliance and maintaining trust with your team.

Start Preparing Now

July 2026 might feel far off, but strong systems take time to implement, especially in the construction industry, where operations can be complexity-heavy. Early preparation will save you the stress and potential penalties of scrambling to adjust later.

1. Review Your Payroll System: Is it equipped for same-day wage and super payments? If not, now’s the time to upgrade.

2. Reassess Cash Flow: Factor in super as part of your immediate cash needs to avoid shortfalls.

3. Educate Your Team: Your payroll or admin staff need to understand these changes inside and out to keep operations running smoothly.

Need Help?

Sorting out payroll compliance can be a headache, but you don’t have to go it alone. At Ignite Accountants, we’re here to help construction businesses like yours tackle these changes head-on. Whether it’s a health check of your payroll systems or personalised advice to get your business ready for the 2026 deadline, we’ve got you covered.

This new payday super requirement isn’t just about following new rules. It’s an opportunity to show your team you’re serious about their futures and committed to doing things the right way. Get ahead of the 2026 deadline and build your compliance processes on a solid foundation, just like the projects you bring to life every day.

Let's Talk

Tim Goode

Director