GNGB outlines Payday Super roadmap for industry

The Gateway Network Governance Body has unveiled a detailed roadmap to guide the superannuation industry through the upcoming Payday Super reforms.

The Gateway Network Governance Body (GNGB) has released a Payday Super roadmap for the superannuation industry, highlighting the key risks and success factors required to implement one of the most significant reforms in over a decade.

GNGB chief executive officer Michelle Bower said the industry is entering a critical 18-month period to prepare for the 1 July 2026 start date.

“To realise the benefits of this reform for all working Australians, the next 18 months will be critical,” Bower said. “We’ve broken down the next nine months into three phases, and outlined the key considerations that the wide range of participants in the superannuation ecosystem will have to action in order to be ready for 1 July next year.”

The first phase, running until the end of 2025, is expected to be highly active.

“A lot needs to happen before next year – from starting software builds to industry education to employers cleaning up their data,” Bower said. “Big changes to the SuperStream Data and Payment Standards, as well as Single Touch Payroll, will impact everyone.”

Phase two will focus on testing and early rollouts, as participants evaluate their new systems and processes against the Australian Taxation Office’s updated compliance guidelines.

“The key risks here will be system bottlenecks, and inconsistent interpretations of requirements which could see breakdowns in interoperability,” Bower said. “Cross-industry collaboration and communication will be crucial during this phase.”

In the final three months leading up to 1 July, the cut-over readiness phase will involve final testing and technical updates.

According to the roadmap, smaller employers and participants must be supported to avoid falling behind, while employees and members should be educated on the importance of accurate, secure data.

The roadmap also sets out key priorities for each participant group. Employers are urged to focus on cash-flow modelling, payroll process redesign, and data clean-up.

Funds and administrators are encouraged to build faster validation systems, improve error responses, and prepare for higher transaction volumes while communicating effectively with members and employers.

Gateways and clearing houses are advised to implement SuperStream system upgrades, enhance rejection and error management, and develop real-time transparency dashboards. Payroll and digital providers are expected to prioritise software updates, testing, and employer support.

Regulators, including the ATO and Treasury, are called on to provide clear guidance, strong governance, and a pragmatic, phased approach to compliance as the industry moves toward implementation.