Common STP Phase 2 reporting questions and mistakes

The ATO has outlined some common questions and mistakes to help employers report accurately through Single Touch Payroll (STP) Phase 2. Setting up your pay codes or categories When you’re setting up for STP Phase 2 reporting, you’ll usually need to re-map your pay codes or categories. How to do this will depend on the […]

“Work from home” was the top search term on SEEK in the June quarter

Job hunters in years gone by may have used search terms like “baker”, “accountant”, or “dentist” while chasing a new position online. Now, the top keyword on employment portal SEEK is “work from home”, highlighting how essential remote work allowances have become for Australia’s workforce. In a new batch of employment trends data, SEEK ANZ […]

Ombudsman or Commission – what’s the Fair Work difference?

We regularly have conversations with members, students and clients about the Fair Work Commission and the Fair Work Ombudsman. It’s become apparent that the two are often confused, so here’s the scoop! The Difference between Ombudsman or Commission While both are responsible for making Australia a fair place to work, they play different roles and […]

Unpaid pandemic leave available again

Employees covered by some awards can access 2 weeks’ unpaid pandemic leave from 15 July 2022 until 31 December 2022. This follows a recent Fair Work Commission decision to add the entitlement back into these awards. Eligible employees can access up to 2 weeks’ unpaid pandemic leave (or more by agreement with their employer) if […]

Brisbane cleaning business operator in court

The Fair Work Ombudsman has commenced legal action against a cleaning services operator based just north of Brisbane. Facing court is Colin Spann, a sole trader who operated a business trading as Spann’s Cleaning Services, based at Morayfield. The regulator investigated after receiving a request for assistance from a worker employed on a casual basis […]

Silver Chain signs Enforceable Undertaking

National community health and aged services organisation Silver Chain Group Limited has back-paid staff in Western Australia more than $17 million and entered into an Enforceable Undertaking (EU) with the Fair Work Ombudsman. The not-for-profit organisation self-reported its non-compliance to the FWO in 2020 after becoming aware of underpayments following a review it commenced to […]

4th Plutus Payroll conspirator sentenced to 4 years in jail

The fourth conspirator of the Plutus Payroll tax scandal has now been sentenced to four years in jail. Devyn Hammond was sentenced in the Supreme Court of NSW to four years in jail for her role in the Plutus Payroll scandal, that is alleged to have defrauded the Commonwealth of more than $105 million over […]

NTEU alleges Deakin University committed “systematic wage theft”

The National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) has accused Deakin University of systematically underpaying casual academics dating back to June 2018. The Union says the underpayment occurred after Deakin paid casual staff based on a ‘piece rate’ on a per course or assessment basis, instead of the hourly rate agreed to in the Enterprise Agreement between […]

A bone to pick: Assessing the “reasonableness” of additional hours

Under the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) (the FW Act), employers are prohibited from requesting or requiring full-time employees to work more than 38 hours per week, unless those additional hours are reasonable. When considering the reasonableness of additional hours, section 62(3) of the FW Act provides a list of factors which are to be […]

Audit lifts the lid on public service leave arrangements

An audit of government entities that employ more than 55,000 public servants has found 8% had an excess annual leave balance in 2020-21. The non-compliance was found across four entities with a requirement, including the Department of Finance, which ranked highest for excess annual leave balances applicable to 21% of its public servants. The Australian […]

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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