Filipino workers allegedly underpaid almost $100,000 at Sydney restaurant

The Fair Work Ombudsman has commenced legal action against the former operators of a Japanese restaurant in north-western Sydney, alleging they underpaid two migrant workers a total of almost $100,000 and falsified records. Facing the Federal Circuit and Family Court are Kosu Group Pty Ltd, which operated Yakiniku Kosu restaurant in Castle Hill, and the […]

Seven common mistakes when managing allowances and deductions

Confusing allowances with reimbursements Coding a genuine reimbursement (for example, an expense paid on behalf of the employee) as a taxable allowance, or vice versa, distorts PAYG withholding, superannuation, payroll tax and STP reporting. Relying on out of date ATO reasonable amounts Travel, meal, cents per kilometre and living away from home allowance limits are […]

Strategic payroll priorities for the year ahead

The next year will be a pivotal one for Australian payroll teams. From the last scheduled rise in the superannuation guarantee to new industrial relations obligations and looming payday super reforms, the landscape is shifting fast. Below is a strategic checklist of what payroll managers should be planning between now and July 2026, framed through […]

FWC upholds summary dismissal of employee who refused to provide medical information confirming fitness to work

Where there are concerns about an employee’s fitness to work, employers may rely on terms in their employment contract which require the employee to comply with the reasonable and lawful direction to undergo a medical assessment. For example, in the decision of Moers v The Trustee For Williamson Family Trust [2025] FWC 1344, the Fair […]

Professional services company penalised

The Fair Work Ombudsman has secured $39,600 in penalties in court against a Perth-based company and its former director. The Federal Circuit and Family Court has imposed a $33,000 penalty against AICA International Pty Ltd – which is based in Bibra Lake and operated in several industries including legal, accounting, education, marketing and information technology […]

Tip on managing payroll in a remote team

Managing payroll in a remote team is not just about pressing a mythical button. It requires clear processes, technology alignment, fraud prevention measures and compliance vigilance to protect your business and your employees, even when your payroll team is distributed. Define and document your payroll process clearly Remote payroll teams must have detailed, step-by-step process […]

End of year blues (a payroll professional’s lament)

June rolls in with a cold sharp bite,And payroll teams prepare for the fight.Not fists and fury, but forms and files,With checklists stretching endless miles. The phone won’t stop, the queries flow,“Will my super clear?”, “Do you even know?”While juggling pay runs and EOFY stress,You’ve not even touched your inbox mess. Reconcile everything, down to […]

Unfair dismissal high income threshold increases from 1 July 2025: what it means for payroll and employers

From 1 July 2025, the Fair Work Commission will raise the high income threshold in unfair dismissal claims from $175,000 to $183,100. The compensation cap is also increasing, up from $87,500 to $91,550. These figures are not just abstract legal benchmarks, they carry significant implications for payroll, HR and executive decision makers. This annual adjustment, […]

Why superannuation errors are not just mistakes they’re compliance time bombs

It may not always grab headlines like wages underpayment scandals, but failing to pay the correct superannuation is one of the most common and costly compliance issues in Australian payroll. Whether it’s misclassifying contractors or miscalculating ordinary time earnings (OTE), these errors can have significant financial, legal and reputational consequences. Superannuation must be calculated on […]

Payroll records prove pivotal in employment dispute

A recent Fair Work Commission case has highlighted a timely reminder for payroll professionals: your records may be your organisation’s best defence. In this case, an employee alleged they had been underpaid and sought compensation for what they claimed was a breach of contract. However, the employer’s payroll records told a different story, and ultimately, […]

Rod Wallace

02:49 02 Jun 20

A quick professional response to clarify a payroll issue that always has concerned me

Audrey Cahill

01:20 06 May 20

The team at APA are extremely knowledgeable, very friendly and keen to assist in a prompt efficient manner - every time!

Michele Southam

01:41 29 Apr 20

Accurate and timely information imparted in a completely no nonsense manner.Even complex matters are presented so that all can be understood with practical details that assist easy implementation.

Rosemary Harrison

02:46 27 Apr 20

The assistance that Tracy has provided during the COVID 19 crisis is outstanding! Free webinars to us, still cost you to produce and we are grateful.

Ingrid Ramona Onciu

01:33 27 Apr 20

I found a lot of information I needed in the Jobkeeper webinar. Thank you for this. Great presentation!

Jo Regina

21:20 27 Feb 20

Amazing Payroll Leadership Conference lead by Tracy. Its fantastic to get like minded people in the same room where we can learn and share our experience and bounce off each other. One of the best events I have been to.

Anne Davis

03:01 13 Sep 18

I have had the privilege of meeting and dealing with Tracy, Maria, Andy and the team at APA for many years. I would encourage anyone who deals with payroll to sign up as a member. Take advantage of the training courses on offer. Maria is a fantastic trainer and has the ability to break down legislation and awards into a presentation that everyone can understand.

Rosa Yoon

00:24 11 Sep 18

It was the best decision our business made when we joined the Australian Payroll Association 5 years ago. Tracy and the team are humbling, professional and maintains high integrity in all the areas of payroll. It's your payroll one-stop shop.

Sandi Boorn

03:03 09 Sep 18

Highly recommend Tracy and team. They continue to keep us up to speed with all legislative changes. Email newsletter is very informative. Thank you for your professional service.

Anthony Jakovcevic

04:11 08 Sep 18

Highly recommend Tracy and team. They continue to keep us up to speed with all legislative changes. Webinars and presentation documents are very useful. Thank you for your professional service.

Fumiko WALTON

01:11 03 Sep 18

The class was very flexible to follow the attendance needs even we have a text Book to follow. Some people were excited to discuss own problems. But some times caused run out the planned work time. In total impression was very good. Friendly and easy to rise the questions.

Dobrila Bijelic

00:19 03 Sep 18

Information was up to date (some of it literally hours old); concise and on topic. Maria is an entertaining and knowledgeable presenter.

Steph Francis

23:38 02 Sep 18

The End of Year Webinar was really helpful. It was a great opportunity to just refresh ourselves on those 'once a year' tasks and be sure that we were up to date with any changes to the payroll landscape throughout the year. The webinar format was perfect. It's a busy time of year for all and being able to remote in meant that the whole team could easily attend. Thanks for the invitation!!

CHLOE ASTON

23:20 02 Sep 18

Maria is fantastic! Very informative and runs an engaging seminar or class. The Australian Payroll Association are a great support to have.

AllyK Noble

22:56 02 Sep 18

absolutely worth every minute spent , this was an experience that I didn't think I needed after many years in payroll, but the networks built since the day were an added bonus. The day was informative and well set out.

YANWEN SU

07:44 01 Sep 18

It was a very useful and interesting training. Not borning at all, you can learn a lot in such a short time from the easily understandable material & listen opinions from experienced payroll staff from other companies.Definitely will attend next year. Hope the food will be better:)

Jenny Wann

06:59 01 Sep 18

Maria is the best teacher I have ever come across - she manages to keep 20 adults of varying capabilities totally absorbed during her classes - her knowledge of all things payroll is second to none! I just wish I could attend every class she teaches - I always come away much more informed but also wanting to learn more.

Jacquie Wells

02:36 30 Jul 18

Tracy Angwin is a true professional and the APA offers expertise, insight and thought leadership to the payroll industry.

Elizabeth Ristevski

11:02 28 Mar 18

The Australian Payroll Association is providing professional advice in line with the latest legislation. As a Payroll professional it is of an enormous importance to be a member of this organization and build on payroll knowledge and network with its members.It is a must attend the Yearly Payroll Conference, where members attend various workshops from termination payments to superannuation updates, guest speakers from the ATO & speakers from various Payroll Software providers. Attendees receive updates on upcoming legislative changes, network with colleagues from different industries & enjoy great food and beverages.As part of the company is the recruitment department lead by Andy Thompson. As a recruiter Andy knows the payroll scope in great details. He educates its clients about payroll and at the same time is helping payroll professionals to attain roles best fitting of candidate expectations.Wishing the team at the Australian Payroll Association many years of growth and successIt is time to ascend the payroll profession where it belongs

Jane Barker

22:46 26 Mar 18

APA membership is worth every cent! It's great to have competent people to answer all queries relating to payroll. The service is immediate and thorough. The weekly newsletters and member portal are very informative and keep me up to date.

Josh Biasia

20:05 26 Mar 18

APA are great to deal! A fantastic resource for any Payroll Department. I have also completed my Certificate IV in Payroll Administration with them and now looking to do the Diploma. If you ever get a chance to attend one of their conferences, I highly recommend - the likes of Tracey and Maria are very engaging and knowledgeable speakers.

Jeshna Sagun

06:19 26 Mar 18

Australian Payroll Association (APA) has been very instrumental in my career, specifically Andy Thompson. Andy has helped me get into the position that I'm currently in at one of the most reputable firms in Australia. He has always been very encouraging and supportive of me, and values my experience and skill set. He is one of my biggest advocates and helped steer me in the right direction with my career. I also use APA to assist with any ongoing payroll related advice that I need. Tracy and Maria are knowledge experts when it comes to all matters relating to Payroll. Whether it's advice about payroll vendors, or legislative and statutory obligations, they are always more than happy to assist and go above and beyond.

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