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Last updated February 2020

Background

In May 2018, Swinburne informed employees about a matter regarding the university’s payroll process. An internal review found instances where superannuation contributions were underpaid for some employees between 1 July 2011 and 30 June 2017. 

Swinburne’s highest priority has been to fix this matter in a way that minimises the impact for our people.

We are implementing a new payroll system and expect it to be operational in mid-2020. Until that time we are continuing to work with leading professional services firm PwC to ensure any superannuation underpayments caused by our current payroll system are identified and corrected on a quarterly basis.

We are also working closely with UniSuper to achieve the best possible outcome for any employees we were unable to finalise calculations for in 2018. We have now completed this process and those employees will receive a final payment by 28 February 2020. 

Where can I get more information?

For specific information regarding your circumstances, contact Swinburne Payroll on +61 3 9214 8600 (select option one) or at payroll@swinburne.edu.au. 

Hours (AEST) 
Mon–Fri: 9am – 5pm 
Public holidays: Closed

Summary

What happened?

• An internal payroll review found instances where superannuation contributions were underpaid for some current and former employees. In some cases, employee PAYG Payment Summaries were not correct. 
• After discovering the issue, the university engaged leading professional services firm, PwC, to investigate the matter fully. The university has worked closely with PwC to determine the extent of the problem and rectify this complex issue as quickly as possible. 
• The investigation found some employees were also affected by incorrect Reportable Employer Superannuation Contributions (RESC) stated on PAYG Payment Summaries, and a very small number of employees were affected by incorrect Reportable Fringe Benefits Amount (RFBA) calculations.
• The university has identified the source of the errors and implemented a process to identify and resolve any new superannuation underpayments. Where we identify shortfalls, we make top-up payments to the employee’s superannuation fund within 28 days of the end of the quarter, as required by law. 

At all times our priority has been to do the right thing by our employees. That means not only working to fix the problem as quickly as possible with minimal impact to our employees, but also to put in place the right processes to ensure it will not happen again. 

We are implementing a new payroll system and expect it to be operational in mid-2020.

What does this mean for me?

The majority of employees were not affected. Those who were affected within the initial investigation (1 July 2011 – 30 June 2017) have had superannuation owing paid to their superannuation fund, including interest. 

A review of superannuation contributions for the 2017–2018 financial year was also completed. If an employee’s superannuation contribution was incorrectly paid between 1 July 2017 and 30 June 2018, they would have received a letter in the mail in September 2018. The letter detailed how they were affected and what steps were taken to correct this, including when payments would be made.

Former staff who were affected by this matter during the initial investigation period, or during the 2017–2018 financial year, were contacted at their last known address. 

Both current and former employees who receive an additional compensation amount in February 2020 will be sent a letter detailing how they were affected. Former employees who do not have a UniSuper account will have had one created for them.

Employees who received a payment in February 2020 will be able to view this payment in their online UniSuper account. 

If you have received a payment in February 2020 but have not received a letter, please contact payroll@swinburne.edu.au.

Resources

How to read your payslip [PDF 404KB]

How to view and update personal information on SPO [PDF 504KB]

If you're a former employee without SPO access, please contact payroll@swinburne.edu.au, or call on +61 3 9214 8600 (select option one).

The object of the Freedom of Information Act 1982, is to extend as far as possible the right of the community to access information in the possession of the Government of Victoria, statutory authorities and other public bodies, such as Swinburne University of Technology.

The University is committed to administering the Freedom of Information Act 1982 in a fair, objective and unbiased manner and with a view to ensuring that the spirit of the Act is upheld.

Under the Freedom of Information Act, there are exemptions that may apply to a request received by the University. For example, the following may be exempt under the Act:

• documents affecting personal privacy 
• trade secrets 
• business, commercial and or financial matters that may disadvantage individuals or organisations.
   

A response to any freedom of information (FOI) request received will take up to 45 days from the date of receipt of the application.

Further information can also be found on the Office of the Victorian Information Commissioner website.

Making an FOI request

An FOI request must be in writing and sent to: 

Privacy & FOI Officer 
Swinburne University of Technology 
P.O. Box 218 
Hawthorn VIC 3122

For payment options please contact the Freedom Of Information Officer.

For any further enquiries regarding Freedom of Information, or if you wish to have an FOI request form posted to you, please contact the Freedom of Information Officer on +61 3 9214 4592 or foi@swinburne.edu.au.

Download the Freedom of Information Act Part II [Word, 17KB] 

Download the freedom of Information request form:

• Freedom of Information request form [PDF, 281KB]
• Freedom of Information request form [Word, 105KB]

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