Frequently Asked Questions - Superannuation Remediation
What is superannuation remediation?
Superannuation remediation is the process of reviewing whether superannuation contributions were paid correctly and where an issue is confirmed, taking steps to correct it. This may include making additional superannuation contributions and paying applicable interest on those contributions.
Why is Western Sydney University reviewing superannuation?
The review forms part of the Pay Confidence Program, which was established to strengthen payroll accuracy and ensure staff are paid correctly and on time. The University is reviewing historical payroll and employment arrangements carefully and will address any confirmed issues.
What period is being reviewed?
The timeframe covered by the Pay Confidence Program is 1 July 2018 onward. This date aligns with the start of the 2018-19 financial year shortly after commencement of the 2017 enterprise agreements.
Who is included in the review?
The Program includes Western Sydney University, Western Sydney University The College and Western Sydney University Early Learning Limited. Current and former staff will be contacted directly if they are impacted.
What if my correspondence has two columns – ATO and WSU? What does that mean?
Staff at Western Sydney University and its wholly owned entities may fall into different superannuation arrangements depending on their employment contract and the Enterprise Agreement that applied to their role(s). Some staff may have been employed under more than one arrangement during the current review period dating back to July 2018.
Because of Australian Taxation Office (ATO) requirements, some remediation amounts need to be paid through the ATO, while other amounts can be paid directly by Western Sydney University. If your correspondence shows amounts in both the ATO and WSU columns, this means that part of your remediation will be processed through the ATO and part will be paid directly by the University. As a result, the payments may not appear in your superannuation account at the same time.
If you have any questions about your correspondence or remediation amount, please contact the Pay Confidence team at payconfidence@westernsydney.edu.au
How long before the payment is made to my Superannuation account?
The timing depends on a number of factors, including whether your identity and superannuation account details need to be verified before payment can be processed. If your advice shows an amount in the ATO payment column, this amount will be processed separately and may take up to six weeks to appear in your superannuation account.
Why am I being remediated such a small amount - $10?
The University has applied a minimum remediation payment of $10. If your correspondence shows a remediation payment of $10, the amount calculated as owing to you was less than $10 and the balance represents a discretionary uplift applied by the University.
I’ve had a voicemail and SMS from WesternSydneyU. Is it legitimate?
The Pay Confidence team is contacting current and former staff by email, phone and SMS. Official communications will come from Chief People Officer, Angy Dinevska, with the sender address payconfidence@westernsydney.edu.au or SMS sender WesternSydneyU. Please only use the secure links and instructions provided in official Pay Confidence communications. If you are unsure whether a message is legitimate, contact the Pay Confidence team at payconfidence@westernsydney.edu.au and we can confirm it for you.
How will I know if I am impacted?
If you are impacted, the Pay Confidence team will contact you directly using the contact details the University has on record. We will only contact individuals once the relevant calculations and outcomes have been validated and finalised.
Do I need to do anything now?
In most cases, you do not need to do anything unless the Pay Confidence team contacts you. If you are a former staff member and you are impacted, we will contact you using the details we have on record. The communication will explain any steps you need to complete before payment can be processed, such as identity verification and confirmation of bank account details. Please only use the links and instructions included in official Pay Confidence communications from payconfidence@westernsydney.edu.au.
Will superannuation remediation be paid to me or to my superannuation fund?
Superannuation remediation will be paid into a superannuation account and cannot be paid directly into your personal bank account. Depending on the applicable requirements, the payment must be made directly to your superannuation fund or processed through the Australian Taxation Office.
Can you pay the remediation as a payment to my bank account?
No. Under Australian Taxation Office requirements, superannuation remediation has to be paid into a superannuation account. It cannot be paid directly into a personal bank account.
What happens if I no longer have a superannuation account?
If you do not have an active superannuation account, please contact the Pay Confidence team on payconfidence@westernsydney.edu.au for information about the available next steps. If you do not nominate an account within the required timeframe, the University may need to create a new account on your behalf with its default superannuation fund, UniSuper, so the remediation can be processed.
Do I need financial advice regarding payments?
Information provided by the University in relation to remediation is general in nature and does not constitute financial advice. The University and its operational teams cannot provide personal financial advice, including advice on taxation, superannuation, or family and government benefits. Current and former staff are encouraged to seek independent professional advice to understand any implications specific to their individual circumstances.