Underpayment Widespread in Northern Territory
Australians are missing an average of $1,131 in their paychecks due to underpayments, according to a new ADP poll. Conducted between 28th and 31st January 2026, the survey highlights that nearly one in three Australians (31%) have been underpaid at least once.
The Northern Territory reports the highest rate of underpayment, with 63% of residents affected. This rate is significantly higher compared to 41% in the Australian Capital Territory and 30% in New South Wales.
17% of Northern Territory residents reported losing more than $6,000 in their most recent underpayment. In contrast, only 6% of affected workers in New South Wales and Victoria reported similar losses.
Payroll Errors Impact Budgets
Kylie Baullo, General Manager for Australia, New Zealand, and Japan at ADP, emphasised the importance of accurate payroll processes. “Most businesses are trying to get pay right, but payroll can be complex. Mistakes in pay can have a significant impact on a household budget,” she stated.
The poll also found that one in four Australian workers (25%) reported finding at least one mistake on their payslip within the past year. Baullo highlighted the role of automated systems in preventing such errors, suggesting that outsourcing payroll to specialists could further reduce mistakes.
Conducted by Antenna, an independent consumer research agency, the survey included 1,019 Australians and was weighted to reflect the 2021 ABS Census data.
ADP is known for its innovation in HR and payroll solutions, shaping the world of work for over 75 years. More than 1.1 million clients across 140+ countries rely on ADP’s services, which range from simple tools for small businesses to integrated platforms for global enterprises.
As Baullo noted, “Development of consistently applied processes and controls, used in conjunction with automated systems and accompanied by easy-to-understand payslips, brings confidence to employees and employers.” This approach is vital in reducing payroll errors, particularly in complex environments.
For some organisations, outsourcing payroll to specialist providers offers dedicated expertise in HR processes and regulatory compliance, further minimizing payroll errors. This is crucial as living costs continue to rise, impacting household budgets.
