Payday Super and Locum Doctors: What's Changing From 1 July 2026

If you're working as a locum doctor in Australia, the way your superannuation is paid is changing from 1 July 2026. A new government reform called Payday Super means your super is now paid at the same time as your wages, every pay cycle, rather than being held back and paid later. Here's what that means for you and the one thing you need to check before your next pay run.

What is Payday Super?

Payday Super is new federal legislation requiring all Australian employers to pay superannuation contributions at the same time as salary and wages. According to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), the Treasury Laws Amendment (Payday Superannuation) Act 2025 was passed by Parliament and is now law, commencing 1 July 2026.

Until now, employers were only required to pay super quarterly. As the Fair Work Ombudsman explains, under the new rules employers need to pay super contributions at the same time they pay salary or wages so that contributions reach the employee's nominated account within 7 business days. The super guarantee rate stays at 12%.

The reform was introduced to close a significant gap in unpaid super. Unpaid superannuation was estimated by the ATO to be over $6 billion in the last financial year, and more frequent payments make missed or incorrect contributions far easier to spot.

What this means for you as a locum?

For doctors working locum shifts, this is a positive change:

Your super is paid sooner and more regularly. Instead of waiting up to three months, your contributions land with each pay cycle.

You get greater visibility. You can see contributions arriving against your shifts, making it easy to confirm you've been paid correctly, which matters when your roster and pay cycles vary across placements.

Your super starts earning returns earlier. According to Mercer Super, earlier and more frequent contributions grow and compound over your working life, subject to market performance. Money in your fund sooner means more time invested.

One thing to be aware of: once your super is paid on payday, it won't appear in your fund instantly. From 1 July 2026, super funds must be able to receive contributions through the New Payments Platform, so the money still goes through the usual process to reach your account, just faster than before.

What we need from you

To make sure your super flows smoothly under the new rules, please check that:

• Your super fund details are correct and up to date with us

• Any missing details are provided as soon as possible

Accurate details matter more than ever now. If a super fund can't accept a contribution from an employer, the fund has 3 business days to refund it, which can cause delays if your details are wrong or incomplete.

What happens if we don't have your super details?

If your super fund details aren't provided in time, we're required to pay your super into your ATO Stapled Super Fund. A stapled fund is the existing super account the ATO has linked to you.

Please note:

• This may be an older fund linked to you, possibly from a previous job

• If you'd prefer a different fund, you'll need to update your details with us, or transfer the balance across yourself

Checking your details now is the simplest way to make sure your super goes exactly where you want it.

Quick FAQ for locum doctors

When does Payday Super start?

1 July 2026.

Does the 12% super rate change?

No. The percentage used to calculate super guarantee payments is still 12%.

Will my super show up in my fund on payday?

Not immediately. It's paid on payday but still processes through to your fund, typically within 7 business days.

What if I don't give my super fund details?

Your super is paid into your ATO Stapled Super Fund, which may be an older account.

Need to check or update your details?

If you have any questions about Payday Super or need to update your super fund details, get in touch with our team and we'll sort it out before your next pay cycle. New to locuming and weighing up your options? Read more about working as a locum doctor in Australia.