Payroll System Errors That Are Quietly Costing Agencies Millions in Unauthorized Overtime

Many agencies are shocked to learn their own payroll software is creating overpayments.

Common system errors we see include:

Incorrect overtime formulas that ignore the true “regular rate” of pay
Automatic calculation of overtime before proper approval workflows
Failure to flag hours that should be treated as straight time
Legacy systems that don’t match current award rules

One recent city audit found nearly $1.7 million in unauthorised overtime simply because the payroll system used the wrong calculation method. A single 48-hour external review can identify and quantify these issues before they compound.

You can’t stop what you can’t see

One of the most consistent things I’ve seen looking at overtime data is that organisations don’t actually have a clear way of separating overtime that genuinely adds value from overtime that just… happens. Claims that get approved, get paid, and sit there looking completely reasonable. And that’s

Overtime and Superannuation: The Hidden Extra Cost Most Miss

When businesses calculate the cost of overtime, most only look at the hourly rate × hours worked. They forget one very expensive line item: superannuation. In Australia, the Superannuation Guarantee (currently 12% as of 2026) must be paid on most overtime hours. That means every dollar of overtime you pay triggers

Overtime Compliance in 2026: What Every Public Sector Agency Needs to Know Now

The 2025 Protecting Penalty and Overtime Rates changes are now law — and they matter for every government agency. What you need to be doing in 2026: * Ensure your modern award or enterprise agreement aligns with the new protections (no reductions or disadvantageous substitutions allowed) * Review overtime policies to explicitly consider

Overtime in Emergency Services: Lessons from Fire, Ambulance & Corrections Audits

Fire, ambulance, and corrections services face some of the highest overtime pressures in the public sector. Recent audits have repeatedly shown the same issues: * Excessive reliance on overtime to cover chronic understaffing * Weak controls during peak emergency periods * Fatigue-related safety risks from back-to-back shifts * Significant financial leakage from poor verification

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You can’t stop what you can’t see

Overtime and Superannuation: The Hidden Extra Cost Most Miss

Overtime Compliance in 2026: What Every Public Sector Agency Needs to Know Now

Overtime in Emergency Services: Lessons from Fire, Ambulance & Corrections Audits