The rights of workers in Australia are some of the most protected in the world. While this is fantastic for employees, it can mean that payslips are challenging to understand. Organisations manage payroll with a combination of humans and technology, both of which we know are prone to make mistakes. Therefore it is crucial that you understand your payslip when nursing in Australia, to ensure you’re receiving the correct entitlements and payments for your hard work. This guide will help you decode your payslip and contract so you can stay informed and protect your rights.
The The Fair Work laws mandate that your employer provides you with a payslip either in hard copy or electronic form. Your payslip should include the following details:
- Basic Information:
- Your Name, Employer, and ABN: Ensure these details are accurate.
- Pay Period: The timeframe your payslip covers (e.g., past week or fortnight) and the payment date.
- Gross and Net Pay: The gross amount (before tax) and the net amount (after tax) deposited into your bank account.
- Allowances and Penalty Rates:
- Entitlements: Your payslip should itemise any bonuses, loadings, allowances, penalty rates, or incentive payments.
- Deductions: It must also specify any deductions made, such as union fees, with details about the fund or account where the deductions are sent.
- Part-Time and Casual Employees:
- Hourly Rate and Hours Worked: Your payslip should show your hourly rate, hours worked, and total payment for the pay cycle.
- Overtime and Penalty Rates: Any overtime or penalty rates must be clearly specified.
- Annual Rate of Pay:
- Annual Salary: If you’re on an annual salary, your payslip must state the rate as of the latest payment date covered by the payslip.
- Superannuation:
- Super Contributions: The amount of superannuation paid or to be paid, and the name of the super fund.
Common Nurse Payslip Sections
Payments:
- Base salary or wages.
- Leave payments, allowances, and shift penalties or overtime payments.
- Total Payments before tax.
Deductions:
- Tax withheld, separate payment recoveries, and other elected deductions such as personal super contributions and union fees.
- Total Deductions for the pay period.
Leave Balances:
- Annual Leave, Long Service Leave (LSL), and Personal Leave balances.
- Year-to-Date Totals for gross income, personal super contributions, tax withheld, and taxable salary.
Frequently Used Abbreviations
Here are some common abbreviations you might find on your nurse payslip:
ABN: Australian Business Number
LL: Leave Loading
LSL: Long Service Leave
OTE: Ordinary Time Earnings
PAYG: Pay As You Go
RDO: Rostered Day Off
YTD: Year to Date
