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 analyses indicate that Australian home prices are set to rise by approximately 7% in 2026, an upward revision from earlier projections of 5.6%. This anticipated growth is primarily attributed to a constrained housing supply coupled with resilient demand, particularly in major urban centres such as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth. - read more
The Australian stock market has demonstrated remarkable resilience, with the S&P/ASX 200 index recording a 10.2% gain over the 2025 financial year. This performance comes despite a backdrop of global economic uncertainties, including geopolitical tensions and fluctuating commodity prices. - read more
The Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA), the nation's largest lender, has expressed concerns about the current surge in home loan demand, suggesting it may be contributing to escalating property prices and potential financial instability. CEO Matt Comyn emphasized that while the bank benefits from increased housing credit, a more moderate growth rate would better support long-term financial stability and housing market accessibility. - read more
RAMS Financial Group, a subsidiary of Westpac Banking Corporation, has been fined A$20 million by Australia's Federal Court for serious misconduct in its home loan practices between June 2019 and April 2023. The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) initiated the lawsuit, citing issues such as the use of falsified payslips to approve loans, engagement with unlicensed mortgage referrers, and inadequate oversight mechanisms. - read more
Australia's 'Big Four' banks-Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA), Westpac, National Australia Bank (NAB), and ANZ-are strategically reducing their reliance on mortgage brokers in response to squeezed profit margins resulting from lower interest rates, rising operational costs, and intense market competition. Currently, mortgage brokers account for approximately 80% of new home loans in Australia, a significant increase from 50% six years ago. However, banks are now focusing on more profitable, in-house mortgage origination channels. - read more
In July 2025, Japanese banking giants Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) and Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG) emerged as significant growth drivers in Australia's business lending sector. SMBC recorded a 4.66% increase in their business loan book, adding A$1.19 billion, while MUFG achieved a 3.63% expansion, contributing an additional A$0.62 billion. - read more
The Australian Finance Industry Association (AFIA) has recently introduced its Finance Industry Code of Practice, marking a significant advancement in the non-bank lending and specialist banking sectors. This pioneering initiative aims to establish a new standard for integrity, transparency, and fairness within the industry. - read more
Australia is currently experiencing a housing 'super cycle,' characterised by a substantial increase in demand for new homes. This surge is driven by a chronic undersupply of housing, demographic shifts, and evolving lifestyle preferences. For mortgage brokers, this trend presents a unique opportunity to expand their client base and services. Find out now if you qualify and compare rates, offers and options from multiple lenders - without a credit check! - read more
Australian non-bank lender Moneytech has announced a strategic integration with Xero, the global small business accounting platform. This partnership aims to provide small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with a more efficient and streamlined process for accessing working capital. - read more
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) is currently assessing whether further reductions in interest rates are necessary, following recent economic data indicating increased consumer spending and persistent inflation in certain sectors. This evaluation comes after the RBA's decision to hold the cash rate steady at 3.60% in September, subsequent to three cuts earlier in the year. - 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
Your credit score is a crucial part of your financial health. Essentially, it’s a numerical representation of your creditworthiness, calculated based on your credit history. In Australia, credit scores range from 0 to 1200, with a higher score indicating better creditworthiness. - 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
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
Choosing the right loan can be a pivotal decision in your personal financial journey. In Australia, where a diverse range of loan options is available, selecting the loan that aligns perfectly with your needs is more crucial than ever. A judicious choice can help you fulfill your dreams—be it buying a new home, investing in education, or consolidating debt—while ensuring that the repayments remain manageable and do not lead to financial strain. - read more
Financial stress can feel like an unstoppable force, a cycle of worry that impacts not only our peace of mind but also our fiscal health. It represents the anxiety and pressure associated with the inability to meet financial obligations, be it due to unforeseen expenses, unemployment, or a plethora of other reasons. - 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
A financial crisis can come in many forms, such as a job loss, unexpected medical bills, or an economic downturn. These events can drastically alter your financial stability and may lead to financial distress. - read more
Understanding the nuances of financial health is a crucial component in the journey of loan acquisition. It is the bedrock on which potential borrowers build their case for credibility and reliability. Among the myriad of factors influencing your fiscal stability, credit scores stand out as a beacon indicating your creditworthiness to lenders. A robust credit score simplifies the path to securing loans, garnering favorable interest rates, and negotiating better terms. - read more
When it comes to securing a loan, the terms you agree to can have a lasting impact on your financial wellness. It's crucial to strike a balance between finding a loan that fits your needs and maintaining a healthy credit score. This delicate equilibrium is where loan comparison tools come into play, serving as navigational aids in the vast sea of credit options. - 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
Bridging Finance: A short-term loan that covers a financial shortfall during time between the purchase of a new property and the sale of an old property.