Your first day at work

Your first week comes with a few forms that set up your tax and pension. Get them right and your pay will be correct from the first payday.

The forms in your first week

You can complete the TFN declaration and choice form online through myGov (the government’s online account), on paper or in your employer’s payroll system.

Your TFN and the tax-free threshold

Without a TFN, your employer must withhold more tax from your pay. If you haven’t got one yet, apply as soon as you land: see Tax file number and tax. If you’re an Australian tax resident, the first A$18,200 (about £9,580) you earn each year is usually tax-free. You claim this on the TFN declaration, but only with one employer. If you have a second job, tick “no” there, or you may end up owing tax.

Super: Australia’s workplace pension

Super (superannuation) is like a UK workplace pension, but your employer pays it on top of your salary. From 1 July 2026 the rate is 12% of qualifying earnings. Under the new Payday Super rules, also from 1 July 2026, employers must pay it at the same time as your wages, and it must reach your fund within 7 business days.

• Pick a fund on the standard choice form, if you have a preference
• If you don’t choose, the ATO (Australian Taxation Office) may give your employer your stapled fund: an existing account that follows you between jobs
• If you have neither, it goes to the employer’s default fund
• Your employer must act on your choice within 2 months
• More in Superannuation explained

Information you must be given

• Every new employee must get the Fair Work Information Statement before, or as soon as possible after, starting. It sets out your basic rights
• Casual employees also get the Casual Employment Information Statement
• Fixed-term employees also get the Fixed Term Contract Information Statement

For your full rights see Your rights at work.

Payslips

You must get a payslip within 1 working day of payday, even if you’re on leave. It must show your employer’s name and ABN (Australian Business Number), the pay period, gross and net pay, any deductions and the super paid for you. Some employers pay weekly or fortnightly rather than monthly, so check your first payday when budgeting.

Day one culture

• Workplaces are usually informal: first names for everyone, including senior managers
• People are direct and value modesty. Talking up your UK achievements too much can land badly
• Expect an induction, including health and safety. Ask about hybrid working rules early
• Join in social things such as Friday drinks or coffee runs: it’s how many newcomers make friends. See Working in Australia

Public holidays

All employees have the right to be absent on a public holiday. If you work one, you may get extra pay under your award or agreement. Holidays vary by state: New Year’s Day, Australia Day (26 January), Good Friday and Easter Monday are common to all, while others, such as Canberra Day or Adelaide Cup Day, are local. Check your state’s list when you book leave or trips home.