The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Kate Carnell, has welcomed the federal government’s proposal to extend the amnesty to tackle non-payment of workers’ superannuation.
“The government has reintroduced legislation to extend a one-off amnesty that effectively encourages employers to catch-up on paying superannuation entitlements to staff, without being slugged with the harsh penalties that usually apply,” Ms Carnell said.
The ASBFEO aired its support for the Bill as it would provide small business with a window of time to get up to date with outstanding payments to current and past employees.
“Most small businesses do the right thing in this area, with 95 per cent already complying. The Australian Taxation Office has access to company data through Single Touch Payroll, so it’s easy for them to find out if a small business has late or unpaid superannuation payments,” Ms Carnell said, adding that that now is the time for small businesses to speak to their trusted advisers and get their affairs in order.
“All Australian workers should be paid the entitlements they’re owed. The amnesty, if passed, would give small businesses a short amount of time to ensure they are compliant. If this Bill gets through, small businesses should act quickly to take advantage of the amnesty or face significantly higher penalties if found to be non-compliant,” Ms Carnell said.
