Where Has My Super Gone?

One in four Australians may be missing superannuation payments and the numbers are brutal: billions of dollars in unpaid Super Guarantee in a single year. That’s not “nice to have” money. It’s your wages set aside for retirement, and if it’s not landing in your super fund, you lose the long-term compounding that makes super so powerful. We dig into how unpaid super happens, why it’s more common in high-risk industries like construction, hospitality and retail, and why women, young workers, migrants and people in insecure work often wear the damage. We also get practical: how to confirm which fund your employer uses, how to pull a contributions history, and what to say when you suspect underpayment. We talk through the reality that super can be paid quarterly, why that timing hides problems, and how upcoming “payday super” reforms should make tracking easier. From there we tackle the tricky edge cases listeners raise: casual and part-time entitlements, when a contractor with an ABN might still be treated like an employee, and what to do if the business is in administration or already wound up. We also cover employer penalties, the role of the ATO, the financial ombudsman and unions, and when legal advice becomes unavoidable. Plus a few extra money questions that came up, including Div 293 tax for high income earners and the classic dilemma of paying down debt versus investing a lump sum. If you found this helpful, share it with someone who’s starting a new job or working casual shifts, subscribe for more plain-English money guidance, and leave us a review so more Australians can find the show. What’s the one super question you want answered next? DISCLAIMER: This podcast contains general financial information only. That means the information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Because of that, you should consider if the information is appropriate to you and your needs, before acting on it. If you’re confused about what that means or what your needs are, you should always consult a licensed and trusted financial planner. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in this podcast, including any financial, taxation, and/or legal information. Remember, past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. The Rask Group is NOT a qualified tax accountant, financial (tax) adviser, or financial adviser. Access The Rask Group's Financial Services Guide (FSG): https://www.rask.com.au/fsg Send us Fan Mail Support the show