[Australia] Australia Post remediating $5.6m payments following payroll error

The Australia Post - a government-owned corporation providing postal services throughout Australia - has announced that it is remediating payments worth $5.6 million in the wake of a payroll systems error affecting more than 3,000 employees over ten years, HRD reports.

According to the Post, approximately 3,600 current and former staff members employed between 2014 and 2023 have been impacted by the error.

The corporation reportedly began contacting affected staff on January 31 and urging former staff members who may have changed contact information to visit its website to get in touch.

In a statement, Sue Davies - Executive General Manager, People & Culture - said, "We unreservedly apologise and are proactively contacting impacted current and former team members to ensure they receive their remediation payment."

Additionally, the Australia Post confirmed that it will include interest and superannuation where applicable, for the full period.

It reportedly discovered the payroll systems error during a compliance review.

"We have made the necessary adjustments to our systems and processes and will continue to undertake regular audits to ensure that any issues are promptly identified and addressed," Ms Davies said.

The Australia Post said it has already self-reported the payroll issues to the Fair Work Ombudsman.

The announcement reportedly follows the passage of new workplace reforms in December 2023 that are expected to criminalise intentional wage underpayments by 2025.

On this issue, Fair Work Ombudsman Anna Booth has previously reassured employers that the law won't apply to those who "unintentionally underpay their employees or pay the wrong amount by mistake."

Source: HRD

(Links and quotes via original reporting)

The Australia Post - a government-owned corporation providing postal services throughout Australia - has announced that it is remediating payments worth $5.6 million in the wake of a payroll systems error affecting more than 3,000 employees over ten years, HRD reports.

According to the Post, approximately 3,600 current and former staff members employed between 2014 and 2023 have been impacted by the error.

The corporation reportedly began contacting affected staff on January 31 and urging former staff members who may have changed contact information to visit its website to get in touch.

In a statement, Sue Davies - Executive General Manager, People & Culture - said, "We unreservedly apologise and are proactively contacting impacted current and former team members to ensure they receive their remediation payment."

Additionally, the Australia Post confirmed that it will include interest and superannuation where applicable, for the full period.

It reportedly discovered the payroll systems error during a compliance review.

"We have made the necessary adjustments to our systems and processes and will continue to undertake regular audits to ensure that any issues are promptly identified and addressed," Ms Davies said.

The Australia Post said it has already self-reported the payroll issues to the Fair Work Ombudsman.

The announcement reportedly follows the passage of new workplace reforms in December 2023 that are expected to criminalise intentional wage underpayments by 2025.

On this issue, Fair Work Ombudsman Anna Booth has previously reassured employers that the law won't apply to those who "unintentionally underpay their employees or pay the wrong amount by mistake."

Source: HRD

(Links and quotes via original reporting)