Payday Super is coming: are caravan parks ready?

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From 1 July 2026, all Australian employers will be required to pay superannuation guarantee (SG) contributions at the same time they pay wages. Known as Payday Super, this reform is designed to ensure employees receive their super on time, reduce unpaid contributions, and improve retirement outcomes.

For caravan and holiday parks operators, this change brings new compliance responsibilities and operational adjustments. Here’s what you need to know.

Payday Super will replace the current quarterly super payment system. Instead, employers must ensure that SG contributions (which will remain at 12 per cent of ordinary time earnings from 1 July 2026) are paid with each pay run. These contributions must reach employees’ super funds within seven calendar days of payday.

This shift has significant implications for small businesses. Caravan park operators, who often manage seasonal staff and variable cash flow, will need to adapt quickly. The removal of the three-month buffer means super payments will become a more frequent financial obligation. Businesses will need to ensure they have sufficient cash on hand to meet these obligations every pay cycle.

Changes to the ATO's Small Business Superannuation Clearing House

Another major change is the closure of the ATO’s Small Business Superannuation Clearing House (SBSCH) on 1 July 2026. Many small businesses currently rely on this free service to batch and distribute super payments. With its closure, caravan park operators must transition to alternative solutions, such as commercial clearing houses or payroll software with integrated super payment capabilities.

The ATO will be monitoring compliance more closely, using real-time data from Single Touch Payroll and super fund reporting. This means that even minor delays or errors in super payments could be detected quickly. Employers who fail to meet the new requirements may face the Super Guarantee Charge (SGC), which includes the unpaid amount, daily interest, and administrative penalties. Repeat or prolonged non-compliance could result in more severe consequences.

How caravan park operators can prepare

To prepare for the transition, caravan park operators should take the following steps:

  • Review and upgrade payroll systems to ensure they can process super payments with each pay run
  • Conduct a cash flow analysis to understand the impact of more frequent super contributions. Noting the additional 12 per cent, the payday is based on gross ordinary time earnings; therefore, the actual number needed each week, fortnight, or month is more than a 12 per cent increase (net pay +12 per cent of gross OTE).
  • Confirm that employee super fund details are accurate to avoid rejected payments
  • Identify and test a new super payment method before the SBSCH closes
  • Communicate the changes to staff and ensure payroll personnel are trained on the new requirements
  • Consider trialling more frequent super payments ahead of the deadline to identify any issues early.

While the changes may seem daunting, early preparation will help ensure a smooth transition. By updating systems and processes now, caravan park operators can avoid penalties and support their employees’ financial wellbeing.

How BDO can help

Payday Super is a significant shift, but with the right planning, it can be integrated into your business operations with minimal disruption. Contact our team today to see how we can help.

Key takeaways

Super must be paid with every pay run from 1 July 2026
  • Payday Super replaces quarterly payments, requiring SG contributions (remaining at 12 per cent of ordinary time earnings) to be paid with each pay run and received by super funds within seven calendar days.
Caravan park operators will need to adjust cash flow and payroll processes
  • More frequent super payments remove the quarterly buffer, increasing the importance of accurate payroll systems and sufficient cash on hand—particularly for seasonal operations.
The ATO clearing house is closing, and compliance will be more closely monitored
  • With the SBSCH closing on 1 July 2026, businesses must move to alternative payment solutions, while real-time ATO monitoring increases the risk of penalties for late or incorrect payments.

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