Yesterday’s introduction of payday super laws to the Australian Parliament marks a milestone for working Australians—and for everyone who has campaigned patiently and persistently for this change.

For years, the Super Members Council and its predecessor organisations have championed aligning super with wages to tackle unpaid super, which still drains about $5.7 billion a year—around $110 million every week. Meaningful reform takes time, perseverance, and a broad coalition, and payday super proves that formula works.

Payday super will be especially beneficial for Australians who stand to gain the most from our world-class super system: younger, lower‑income, part‑time workers, and women—groups most commonly affected by unpaid super. Our Mind the Gap analysis, for example, showed how unpaid super magnifies inequality for women, with one in four missing payments in 2022–23—losses that can mean tens of thousands of dollars less at retirement. Paying super on payday gets contributions into accounts sooner, where they can be tracked and start compounding.

These reforms are significant for employers, so getting the implementation settings right is crucial. SMC welcomes the certainty of a seven business‑day payment window and supports a practical transition period, giving businesses genuinely trying to comply the room to adjust. Aligning super with payroll cycles will simplify cashflow management, reduce end‑of‑quarter reconciliation pain, and level the playing field for employers doing the right thing.

Credit where it’s due: getting the Bill into the House is a big step. Now, all Parliamentarians should pass it as soon as possible so employers, funds, and digital service providers have certainty to be ready for 1 July 2026. The sooner these laws are on the books, the sooner millions of Australians can trust that every dollar of super they’ve earned lands in their account—on time, every time.

Originally published in our weekly super wrap email. Subscribe here.