Many years ago Julia Gillard’s government announced increases in the Superannuation Guarantee rate from 9% at the time, up to 12%. The impact of the Global Financial Crisis has led subsequent governments to continually postpone these increases. So far, Australia has only received two increases, back in 2013 and 2014, when the superannuation rate went up to 9.5% over two years. It has remained at 9.5% since 2014.
Now it is time for the next increase. This will happen on 1 July 2021 when the rate of superannuation that you have to pay for most of your employees will be 10% of their salary or wage instead of the current 9.5%.
For most employers that are using payroll software, this change will happen automatically. You should however confirm with your software provider (either directly or through someone like us) that this will happen to ensure that you remain compliant without needing further action.
For most employees, this will mean an extra 0.5% added to their current salary plus super. But where an employee is on a contract where their salary is superannuation inclusive it could be that they will receive a corresponding reduction in their salary to offset the extra superannuation. Employers and employees will need to have a discussion about this so that everyone knows the situation they will be in for the new financial year.
The proposed increase to 12% is still scheduled to happen in 0.5% increments each financial year until the 2025-26 year when the Superannuation Guarantee rate will peak at 12%. The rates applicable to each financial year are proposed to be:
1 July 2021 to 30 June 2022 10%
1 July 2022 to 30 June 2023 10.5%
1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024 11%
1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025 11.5%
1 July 2025 onwards 12%
It is also possible that the government will delay the increases as it has done in the past, but you will be kept informed regarding that information.
