Wage theft cases continue to emerge across Australia

Consider the related financial, reputational and compliance risks for your business.

Directors of companies/Council members that underpay their staff and/or underpay Pay As You Go (PAYG) withholding tax and Superannuation Guarantee Charge (SGC) obligations are at risk of being personally liable for breaches of the law. On 16 June 2020, legislation was passed making wage theft a crime in Victoria. It is envisioned that other states may follow Victoria.

The new law which comes into effect mid-2021, states that employers who dishonestly withhold wages, superannuation or other employee entitlements could be fined up to $198,264 for individuals, $991,320 for companies and be sentenced to up to 10 years’ jail.

Payroll health check

In light of these new laws and given the number of organisations that have been publically identified to have underpaid employees, we urge all businesses to undertake a payroll health check. The health check will ensure that all entitlements, including superannuation, are accurately determined and paid in compliance with the current ATO requirements to avoid any penalties.

From a number of reviews we have conducted recently, we have identified risks associated with:

• Underpayments to casual and permanent staff for ordinary pay, overtime and leave loading
• Inconsistencies and incorrect interpretation and payment of payroll entitlements under various Awards
• Underpayment of Superannuation entitlements.

Superannuation Amnesty

The Superannuation Amnesty that was announced in the 2018 Budget is also now in force.  The Amnesty period includes all Superannuation shortfalls from 1 July 1992 through to 31 March 2018.

Employers have until 7 September 2020 to disclose any Superannuation shortfalls to the ATO without incurring significant penalties.

What is the impact?

Financial risks

• Underpayment to employees
• Payroll tax underpayment
• Superannuation underpayment
• WorkCover underpayment
• Annual leave loading underpayment
• Penalties arising from underpayments

Reputation risks

• Staff morale
• Community expectations
• Adverse media attention
• Criminal prosecution

Opportunity

• Self report to avoid potential financial and/or criminal actions
• Be able to claim a corporate tax deduction for the payment of underpaid superannuation during the amnesty period
• Receive a full reduction of potential penalties that can be up to 200% of the total underpaid superannuation

Get in touch

Through the use of sophisticated data analytics and a review of your current payroll processes, ShineWing Australia can assist you to manage your organisation’s payroll and superannuation risks efficiently, as well as identifying potential savings opportunities.

We use our customised data analytics tool to review your payroll records to identify any shortfalls or disclosure concerns.

Rest assured that whilst the Government’s social distancing guidelines are in force, we are able to assist you remotely during this period and are able to provide the full benefits of these services.

Reach out to one of our ShineWing Australia experts below to discuss how we can support you.

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