Published: 29 Aug 2017
New figures that reveal approximately 80 per cent of unpaid superannuation went undetected by the Australian Tax Office (ATO) in 2014-15, with only around 13 cents in each dollar actually recovered for workers, have prompted calls for super payments to be aligned with wage payments.
Long-awaited ATO figures, finally released today, also reveal Australian workers were collectively short-changed their compulsory super entitlements to the tune of $3.3 billion in 2014; and a staggering $17.1 billion since 2009.
Industry Super Australia public affairs director Matt Linden called for government to urgently reconsider the 25-year-old laws that allow employers to use employees’ super for business cash flows and ultimately not pay the money at all.
"The ATO is to be commended for finally releasing this data knowing full well questions would be asked as to why so much money is not being paid without detection,” said Linden.
"With a compliance regime that is highly dependent on employee complaints and employer self-reporting it is no surprise billions in unpaid super is going unchecked”.
"With more than 80 per cent of unpaid super going undetected, rogue employers know the chances of getting caught are slim”.
"This is not how a compulsory system which is meant to guarantee contributions should work,” said Linden.
Linden welcomed measures announced by the Government today such as extending Single Touch Payroll to small business from 2019; increased super fund reporting; and stronger director penalty notices.
But, he stressed, it was also important to align the timing of super payments with wage payments.
“More frequent reporting of contributions by super funds will only help if employers are compelled to report in real time wage or salary income which SG should be paid on,” said Linden.
“With Single Touch Payroll technology extended to small business this will be easier to do”.
Industry Super is calling for:
- Alignment of super payments with wage and salary income;
- Single Touch Payroll to include compulsory reporting of the wage base for super guarantee;
- Removal of the $450 monthly threshold.
Industry Super looks forward to working with the Government and Parliament to secure further necessary changes to give workers assurance they will be paid.
Matt Linden is available for interview. Media contact: Phil Davey 0414 867 188.
Industry Super Australia provides policy, research and advocacy on behalf of 15 not-for-profit Industry SuperFunds who are the custodians of the retirement savings of five million Australians.
*The above material, whilst correct at the time of publication may include references or statements which are no longer current.