Antonella Abbate • 20 September 2021
Spirit Super - An employer’s guide to ‘stapling’
From 1 November 2021, Australian workers will be ‘stapled’ to their existing super fund or the first super fund they join.
The new rules, announced as part of the government’s recent Your Future, Your Super reforms, will see workers automatically stay with their existing super fund when changing jobs — unless they actively choose a different fund.
The change aims to reduce the number of super accounts Australians accrue throughout their working lives and eliminate unnecessary fees workers pay for multiple super accounts.
By reducing the number of duplicate super accounts, Treasury estimates Australians will save about $2.8 billion over the next ten years.
Changes for employers
The new stapling laws will change how employers onboard new employees. The table below shows the current steps versus the new requirements from 1 November 2021.
Onboarding process
BEFORE 1 November 2021
STEP 1: If your employee chooses an eligible super fund, you must pay super guarantee contributions into that fund.
STEP 2: If your employee doesn’t choose an eligible fund, you pay super guarantee contributions into your default MySuper fund.
Onboarding process
FROM 1 November 2021
STEP 1: No change: If your employee chooses an eligible super fund, you must pay super guarantee contributions into that fund.
STEP 2: If your new employee doesn’t choose an eligible fund, you must search ATO online services to see if your new employee has an existing super fund. If they do, you must pay super guarantee contributions into that fund. This step can only occur after your employee has commenced working for you and you’ve submitted a Tax file number declaration form or Single Touch Payroll pay event linking them to you.
STEP 3: If your employee doesn’t choose a fund and your search of ATO online services shows they don’t have an existing super fund, you pay super guarantee contributions into your default MySuper fund. Stapling won’t impact existing employees, and employers must continue paying compulsory super guarantee payments into the current nominated fund.
It’s important to note that stapling requirements are the responsibility of employers — not employees or super funds. They’re also compulsory, and the ATO will be imposing penalties for employers who don’t comply.
Recently the ATO advised that there will be a 12-month ’introductory period’ from 1 November 2021 to 31 October 2022. Penalties incurred during this time will be reduced to nil if employers can prove they’re making reasonable attempts to comply.
More information
For more details about stapling, including the processes and requirements for employers to meet your super obligations, see
our website.
For details about how to request stapled fund details for employees, see the ATO.
For details about the full suite of Your Future, Your Super reforms, see Treasury.
Any advice given in this article is provided by Quadrant First Pty Ltd (ABN 78 102 167 877, AFSL 284443) (Spirit Super Advice), which is wholly owned by Motor Trades Association of Australia Superannuation Fund Pty. Limited (ABN 14 008 650 628, AFSL 238718), the trustee of Spirit Super (ABN 74 559 365 913). A copy of the Financial services guide for Spirit Super Advice is available at spiritsuper.com.au/financial-services-guide
or by calling us on 1800 005 166. You should consider the Product disclosure statement and Target market determinations available at spiritsuper.com.au/pds
or by calling 1800 005 166 before deciding if the fund is appropriate for you.
We're giving you this information in good faith. It comes from sources we think are reliable and accurate. However, we don't accept any liability relating to any linked external websites.
Tickets are now on sale for Wire & Gas 2026, with VASA and The Automotive Technician (TaT) confirming a full three-day programme at The Westin Brisbane from 31 July to 2 August. The event, co-hosted for the first time by both organisations under the theme ‘Better Together’, brings together automotive air-conditioning technicians, auto electricians and thermal management specialists from across Australia and New Zealand for training, networking and industry updates. VASA and TaT members can register for $995 + GST, with non-member tickets priced at $1,195 + GST. A Social Pass covering the Friday cocktail party and trade show plus the Saturday Gala Awards Dinner is available for $349 + GST. Non-members have the option to purchase discounted VASA or TaT membership at registration to unlock member pricing and ongoing benefits. VASA President Brett Meads said the TaT partnership had raised the bar for what Wire & Gas could deliver. “TaT and VASA have a long history of collaboration and share a common goal: supporting automotive technicians and workshop owners to build their skills and grow their businesses,” Mr Meads said. “By combining our networks and expertise, we can deliver a bigger, better Wire & Gas with high-quality training, new topics and more opportunities for technicians to connect with their peers and industry partners. “This is what ‘Better Together’ is all about.” Programme at a glance Friday 31 July: Opening Night The event opens with a cocktail party and trade show, followed by a panel discussion marking the launch of the updated Australian Automotive Air Conditioning Code of Practice. Panellists include Kylie Farrelley (Refrigerant Reclaim Australia), Dr Greg Picker (Refrigerants Australia / Australian Refrigeration Council), Lesley Yates (AAAA) and Jeff Smit (TaT). Saturday 1 August: Technical Training The full-day technical programme features four in-depth 1.5-hour sessions, with a trade show running during morning tea and lunch: ● Clint Flower: Diagnosing modern automotive HVAC systems ● Clinton Brett: AdBlue (SCR) emissions-control technology for diesel vehicles ● Brendan Sorensen: 48V to BEV: Electrified Diagnostic Triage Framework ● Scott Thomas: Vehicle Security Systems: A Workshop Guide The Saturday evening Gala Awards Dinner will feature live acoustic music, the REDARC Young Technician of the Year Award, the VASA Grant Hand Industry Mentor Award, the VASA Pioneer Award and a race sim champion and trade show prize draw. More awards are to be announced. Sunday 2 August: Seminars The closing half-day covers business and industry topics, with sessions from Lesley Yates on best practices and industry cohesion, Jeff Smit on the EV and hybrid market from an aftermarket perspective, a refrigerant and regulation panel with Kylie Farrelley and Dr Greg Picker, and Geoff Mutton on enhancing workshop productivity. TaT co-founder Jeff Smit said the programme reflected the combined training strengths of both organisations. “Wire & Gas has established itself as the must-attend event for the auto electrical and air-conditioning trades, and we’re thrilled to be joining forces with VASA to take it to the next level,” Mr Smit said. “TaT will be bringing our training expertise, presenter network and broad membership base to the table, with a focus on delivering practical, hands-on sessions that attendees can take straight back to the workshop. “We’re looking forward to welcoming both VASA and TaT members, and the broader industry, to Brisbane in July.” Accommodation VASA has negotiated special room rates for Wire & Gas attendees at The Westin Brisbane at $325 per night (room only, super king or twin) and the adjoining Four Points by Sheraton at $225 per night (room only, king or twin). Optional extras include breakfast ($30 per person at The Westin; $25 at Four Points), a rollaway bed for $80 per night, and valet parking at $60 per vehicle per day. All accommodation prices include GST. Discounted rates are valid for three days before and after the event, subject to availability. Cool Mavericks book signing Authors Mark Mitchell and Ken Newton will be signing copies of Cool Mavericks, which traces the evolution of automotive air-conditioning and the pioneers who shaped it. Books will also be available for purchase or collection at the event. Sponsors and exhibitors With the combined reach of the VASA and TaT networks, sponsorship and exhibition opportunities are expected to fill quickly. Organisations wanting to connect with the calibre of automotive repair professionals Wire & Gas is known for attracting should contact Jill Johnson at jj@jkjmedia.com.au or on 0409 217 624. Tickets and accommodation can be booked at WireAndGas.com
The Institute of Automotive Mechanical Engineers (IAME) wishes to advise members and industry partners that Mr Peter Blanshard is no longer employed by the IAME , effective 7 July 2026 . The Board wishes to extend its best wishes to him for the future. The Board has enacted transition arrangements to ensure continuity across all operational areas, including member services, supplier and industry partnerships, RTO operations, and government engagement. Redirecting Communications To ensure enquiries are directed appropriately and responded to promptly, members and stakeholders are asked to redirect any communication previously addressed to the CEO to the following contact: IAME Auburn Office (NSW) unit 5, 340 Chisholm Road Auburn NSW 2144 Phone: (02) 9782 1100 Email: inbox@iame.com.au The IAME Board appreciates the cooperation and understanding of our members during this period of transition. We remain committed to delivering strong industry leadership and high‑quality support across the automotive and training sectors. Kind regards, The IAME Board
By Dean Rothapfel - Oceania Country Manager Motul Asia Pacific
