Payday Super Explained for Small Business Employers

Payday Super is here and is enshrined in Legislation. For many small businesses, it will result in additional workload to meet ongoing obligations. For example, if you run a busy takeaway, you already know payroll can be one of the trickiest parts of the job as the business owner. But there’s a big change on the horizon that every small business needs to understand: Payday Super.

Starting soon, on 1st July 2026, employers will need to pay superannuation at the same time as wages, not quarterly; it could be weekly if that is how you pay your staff. For takeaway shops that employ many part-time and casual staff, this shift is massive. Here’s what it means for you, and how to make sure your takeaway business payroll runs smoothly under the new rules.

What Is Payday Super?

Under the current system, many businesses pay super contributions quarterly — four times a year. But under Payday Super, you’ll need to pay super every time you pay your staff. That means if your team is paid fortnightly, their super must also be paid fortnightly. The Federal Government’s goal is to make sure workers’ retirement savings grow faster and are paid on time. But for small employers, it also means keeping your payroll processes tight and efficient.

Why Payday Super Matters for Takeaway Businesses,

Especially with lots of staff.

You have probably been googling for help on this topic. Gartly Advisory aims to help our clients by providing practical examples, not just legislative pollywaffle.

Small businesses such as Takeaway stores often have:

• High staff turnover
• Many part-time and casual employees
• Varied shift patterns and fluctuating hours

That makes small business superannuation compliance tricky even at the best of times.

Moving to Payday Super means you’ll need to have accurate, up-to-date records for every shift and fast, automated payments. If you’re still doing things manually or paying super in batches, now’s the time to modernise your payroll system.

How to Prepare for Payday Super

Here’s how to get your takeaway business ready — and turn compliance into a competitive advantage.

Make sure you use a cloud-based Payroll Software.

Use payroll software for a small business that automatically calculates and pays superannuation each pay run. Tools like Xero, MYOB, QuickBooks Payroll, or Employment Hero can seamlessly sync timesheets, wages, tax, and super payments.

Once set up, super contributions are processed alongside wages — no extra steps, no last-minute stress.

Integrate with a Time-Clock App. With 20 part-timers, accuracy is everything. Use a digital roster or time clock system (like Deputy, Tanda, or Square Team Management) to record actual working hours. That data feeds straight into your payroll system, ensuring superannuation compliance and removing the guesswork from manual timesheets.

Automate Super Payments

Most payroll systems now link directly to a SuperStream-compliant clearing house — so payments go directly to each employee’s fund when payroll is processed. Automation keeps you on the right side of the ATO and saves hours of admin.

Keep Your Cash Flow in Check

Under Payday Super, your cash flow will need to adjust. Instead of paying super quarterly, you’ll be transferring smaller amounts more often. Set up a dedicated payroll account and move money into it weekly or fortnightly. That way, your wage and super commitments are always covered.

Communicate with Your Team

Let your staff know what Payday Super means — many won’t have heard of it yet. Explain that they will see their super contributions appear more regularly in their nominated fund. Transparency builds trust, shows you’re a responsible employer, and keeps your team happy and loyal. Obviously, failure to complete on time will result in SGC applying. In the early days, the ATO will be happy to help, but eventually, they will no longer be Mr Nice Guy and apply the letter of the law.

Our tip is Start Now, Don’t Wait.

The government’s Payday Super rules are rolling out soon, so now’s the time to prepare. Once your payroll and super processes are automated, payday will be smoother, faster, and completely compliant. Think of it as a chance to modernise how your takeaway runs — less admin for you, more confidence for your team, and better long-term security for everyone.