IAG Settles Payroll Discrepancies with $37M Worker Reimbursement
IAG Settles Payroll Discrepancies with $37M Worker Reimbursement
1
The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.
In a significant move to rectify payroll irregularities, Insurance Australia Group (IAG) has compensated its workforce to the tune of over $37 million.
This restitution is in adherence to an enforceable undertaking with the Fair Work Ombudsman, prompted by IAG's acknowledgment of past underpayments resulting from process deficiencies.
The comprehensive settlement package includes upwards of $21 million in wages, alongside additional sums for interest and superannuation. On this account, the entitlements cover the time span from 2013 to the previous year. Furthermore, about $16.2 million caters to long service leave under specific jurisdictional guidelines from 2013 to 2022.
Intertwined with the enforceable undertaking, and fostering a compliance-oriented culture, IAG will contribute $650,000 as a remorse payment to the Commonwealth Consolidated Revenue Fund. Notably, state and territory long service leave entitlements are delineated from the scope of the Fair Work Ombudsman, yet this sum entwines with IAG's wider redress blueprint.
Anna Booth, speaking on behalf of the Fair Work Ombudsman, highlighted that such an enforceable undertaking was befitting since IAG has launched a significant revamp of its systems, incorporating fixes for underpayments tracing back further than the six-year limitation threshold.
Two primary entities within IAG-Insurance Australia Group Services and Insurance Manufacturers of Australia-are a part of this enforceable agreement. Notably, the back-payments concerning federal laws average over $1000 per employee, while a handful received greater than $200,000, as reported by the ombudsman.
Geographically diverse, the underpaid group included IT professionals, support staff, front-line claim handlers, and call center employees as the common recipients of lesser payments. Likewise, roles such as admin workers, customer service providers, consultants and varying levels of management were also implicated.
Upon an internal analysis of its payroll procedure in December 2020, IAG self-declared non-compliance issues to the regulatory entity, a subsequent provision finding its way into the 2021 fiscal declarations. The insurer identified respective underpayments to both 6094 present staff and 14117 former employees across entitlements, including particular overtime allowances and contributions to superannuation.
The ombudsman conveyed that the underpayment spectrum spanned overtime, weekend, public holiday work, and varied allowances, such as minimum wage and leave rights. IAG, addressing the snags, attributed a primary cause to their earlier payroll system which hinged upon manual submissions for entitlement claims as opposed to automatic computations.
To steer clear of replicated issues, IAG has steered toward the adoption of enhanced controls and has devoted investments to a new time and attendance facility, promising automated entitlement computations, expected to be operational by September.
Commending IAG's dedication to improved board supervision-deemed amongst the most substantial commitments to any enforceable undertaking with the ombudsman-Anna Booth calls for a heightened focus on compliance at the corporate board level, urged by the onset of steeper penalties and criminal offense rules approaching the subsequent year.
Recent data reveals a significant resurgence in property investor activity within Australia's mortgage market. In the three months leading up to June 2025, investor loans accounted for 38% of new mortgages, marking the highest proportion since 2017. This uptick translates to nearly 50,000 loans valued at approximately $33 billion. - read more
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has released its October 2025 Financial Stability Review, providing a comprehensive assessment of the nation's financial health. The report concludes that Australia's financial system remains well-positioned to navigate the current global economic uncertainties. - read more
In a strategic move to streamline operations, ANZ Bank has announced plans to reduce its workforce by 3,500 employees by September 2026. This decision is part of the bank's broader initiative to enhance operational efficiency and reduce redundancy within its organisational structure. - read more
The Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) has reported a record full-year cash profit of A$10.25 billion for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025. This impressive financial performance is attributed to robust growth in both home and business lending sectors. - read more
Singapore-based DBS Bank has announced plans to double its Australian lending book from A$11 billion to A$20 billion over the next five years. This strategic expansion aims to capitalise on growing trade ties between Australia and Southeast Asian countries, including Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam. - read more
In a landmark decision, ANZ Bank has agreed to pay a record AU$240 million penalty following investigations by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) into significant corporate misconduct. This penalty, the largest ever imposed on a single entity for corporate wrongdoing in Australia, underscores the gravity of ANZ's violations and their widespread impact on customers and the federal government. - read more
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has recently highlighted the need for continued caution in lending practices, even as data indicates an improvement in borrowers' financial health. This advisory comes in the context of a dynamic economic environment where both opportunities and risks coexist. - read more
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has recently provided updated guidance to authorised deposit-taking institutions (ADIs) regarding pre-sales and commercial property lending. This move aims to clarify expectations and support both borrowers and lenders in the commercial property sector. - read more
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has raised concerns about certain payday lenders potentially breaching consumer protection laws. In a report released on 13 March 2025, ASIC highlighted that some lenders offering small amount credit contracts (SACCs) may be attempting to circumvent regulatory obligations, thereby exposing vulnerable consumers to increased financial risks. - read more
The Australian financial landscape is witnessing a significant surge in private lending, presenting both opportunities and challenges for brokers. As traditional banks tighten their lending criteria, private lenders are stepping in to fill the gap, offering more flexible funding solutions to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and individuals with non-conforming credit profiles. - read more
Your credit score is more than just a number; it's a reflection of your financial health. Essentially, it’s a numerical expression that represents your creditworthiness. Lenders use this score to assess the level of risk involved in lending you money. - read more
Maintaining a healthy credit score is crucial for anyone looking to secure their financial future. A good credit score can open doors to better loan rates, more favourable credit card terms, and even housing opportunities. It's something that impacts many major financial decisions you make in life. Without a solid score, you might end up paying more in interest and find it harder to get approval for the things you really need. - read more
Financial stress is a common issue that affects a large portion of individuals, often due to unexpected expenses, unemployment, or a high cost of living. It can lead to both mental and emotional strain, influencing one's quality of life and decision-making abilities. Credit scores, a critical measurement of financial health, are used by lenders to evaluate the risk of lending money. - read more
Soft inquiries are a type of credit check that does not impact your credit score. These checks occur when you or a company reviews your credit report as part of a background check, pre-approval process, or other non-lending purpose. - read more
As we navigate the complexities of today's economy, the significance of credit can scarcely be overstated. Whether we're considering a home mortgage, a new car, or managing our personal finances, our credit health often dictates the terms and accessibility of financial support. A robust credit score can open doors to favorable loan terms and rates, while a poor score can narrow our options and cost us more in the long run. - read more
Understanding the mechanics behind credit scores is pivotal for anyone navigating the intricate world of finance. A strong credit score does not only unlock the gates to a plethora of borrowing options but also secures favorable interest rates, which can save you a substantial amount of money over time. It acts as a financial passport, one that enables you to achieve milestones such as purchasing a home or car with ease. - read more
When embarking on the journey to secure financing, particularly for significant purchases such as a car, your credit score takes center stage in the eyes of lenders. A credit score is a numerical representation of your creditworthiness, derived from your financial history and behaviors. It wields substantial influence on your ability to acquire loans with favorable terms. - read more
Financial health refers to the state of one's personal financial situation. It encompasses a variety of factors, such as income stability, expenses control, savings, investments, and debt management. - read more
Your credit score is a critical number that plays a significant role in your financial life. It represents your creditworthiness, or in simpler terms, how reliable you are in repaying borrowed money. - read more
Loan approval can often be a crucial milestone in achieving your financial goals. Whether you're looking to buy a home, pay for education, or consolidate debt, securing a loan can provide the financial boost you need to move forward. - read more
Need Help Finding a Loan?
Find out now if you qualify and compare
rates, offers and options from multiple lenders - without a credit check!
All finance quotes are provided free and without obligation. We respect your
privacy.
Knowledgebase
Cost of Capital: The required return necessary to make a capital budgeting project, such as building a new factory, worthwhile.