If I am the only person in a company that pays the wages and superannuation, will I no longer be able to take leave because I won't be able to set up wages payments in advance and then run the wages upon my return? Will I need to run the wages in real time each week<
Hiya @OnBalance 👋
Are you saying you pay employees late? 🫣 That's a Fair Work Ombudsman no-no.
Payroll is not a job to put on pause, perhaps your employer can recognise the importance and engage temporary relief?
I don't know what payroll product solutions may be delivered as part of the PDS requirements, perhaps you could ask your payroll product provider?
Deanne
No I am definitely not saying I pay employees late
Best to teach someone else how to do it.
After all, what happens if you get sick ?
Hi @OnBalance,
You’re right to be thinking ahead.
From 1 July 2026, all employers will need to pay their employees’ super guarantee (SG) at the same time as their salary and wages. This is part of the Payday Super changes.
So yes, if you’re the only person who handles payroll and super, you’ll need to make sure your business processes allow you to meet this new timing – even if you’re on leave.
You’ve got time to get ready, but it’s a good idea to start reviewing your systems now.
Keep an eye out for updates on our website ato.gov.au/paydaysuper. We'll be releasing more info about the changes soon.
Hi, I'm in the same boat. I'm the only one who processes the pays and I've been doing them for almost 11 years. I've always paid super monthly so we've always been compliant and wages have also never been late. When I go on leave I prepare them in advance and load the electronic bank payment file in the bank with the usual weekly payment date (that I am away for) so staff are paid on time. I understand the suggestion that there should be someone else that can also do the pays but this isn't always possible. What will happen when we close over Christmas? I prepare 2-3 weeks in advance as above and I guess we'll have to pay the super for all of these weeks early - on the day the pays are set up? Surely this will affect many businesses?
Hi @ Sharon_S,
I just want to direct you back to our original response to @OnBalance.
You’ll need to make sure your business processes allow you to meet this new timing – even if you’re on leave or the business is closed.
This doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll need to pay super early for advance pay runs. Each business can consider the options available to them and decide the most appropriate way to meet the requirements. This can vary for each business depending on the method you sue to pay super now.
I also wanted to note that the 7‑day requirement is based on business days, so over the Christmas period the timing may vary depending on public holidays and weekends.
We use MYOB and unfortunately their program doesn't allow for future dating of super payments so I believe we effectively will be paying super in advance. This has been raised in their forum but no changes to the current set up have been offered by MYOB at this time. It's easy to say train someone else to do it but that isn't always possible.
15 Apr 2026 · 4 min read time
16 July 2025 · 5 min read time
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