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HR Quick Links: Table of Contents

    
 Quick Links
 Part A 
 HR Quick Links: Table of Contents

Part A HR Quick Links: Table of Contents

(this website is being developed on an ongoing basis)

2 Recruitment and Selection

(this website is being developed on an ongoing basis)

2.1 Preparing to Recruit

2.1.1 Policy

 

2.1.2 Toolkit

 

2.1.3 Forms

 
 

2.2 Selection

2.2.1 Policy

2.2.1.1 Fast Track for General Staff

Fast Track for General Staff

 

 

2.2.1.2 New Staff Selection

New Staff Selection

 

 
 

2.2.2 Toolkit

2.2.2.1 Guide for Chair of Selection Committees - Professional Staff

Guide for Chair of Selection Committees - Professional Staff

 

 

2.2.2.2 Guide for Chair of Selection Committees - Academic Staff

Guide for Chair of Selection Committees - Academic Staff

 

 
 

2.2.3 Forms

 
 
 

5 Retention

(this website is being developed on an ongoing basis)

5.1 Salary Packaging

(this website is being developed on an ongoing basis)

5.1.1 Policy

Salary Packaging

 

 

5.1.2 Toolkit

5.1.2.1 Salary Packaging Calculators

Salary Packaging Calculator

This Salary Packaging Calculator has been designed to assist in determining the possible impact of packaging a range of items available and is not comprehensive. It is only intended to show a possible effect of packaging in a given scenario. Please contact Rose Cunningham on 6488 7186 for further information.

 

Taxable Gross Calculator

The Taxable Gross Calculator has been designed to assist employees with estimating their Gross Salary, Taxable Gross Salary and Reportable Employer Superannuation Contributions on an annual basis. It requires employees to enter fortnightly contribution values that are then converted to annual contribution values.

This tool is to be used as a guide only. All final details for Taxable Gross Salary, Reportable Employer Superannuation Contributions and Reportable Fringe Benefits will be provided on the employee's Payment Summary at the end of the financial year.

 

 

5.1.2.2 What Can Be Packaged?

HR SERVICES
Employee Benefits
salarypackaging@uwa.edu.au
University Policy No. 07/192
What Can Be Packaged?

 

Salary Packaging Options

  • Airport Lounge Membership

    Package your special university rate at Qantas Lounge.

  • Car Parking

    This covers staff parking on the Nedlands Campus and the Royal Perth, Princess Margaret, QEII and Fremantle Hospitals.

  • Child Care Fees

    The University operates a number of childcare centres as well as running vacation care, after-school care and a Uni-Sport for Kids program.

    • Child Care Fees
    • After School Care Fees
    • Vacation Care Fees

  • Novated Car Leases

    Please ensure you contact the Salary Packaging CoOrdinator in the first instance, to discuss the packaging of novated vehicles.

  • Relocation Expenses

    New staff taking up an appointment at UWA involving a relocation may be entitled to package some of their relocation costs.

  • Superannuation

    This covers both compulsory superannuation and voluntary superannuation contributions.

  • UWA Sports & Recreation Association

    Get fit, and at the same time package your Corporate Fitness and/or Health and Fitness Centre membership fees.

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In House Benefits

  • Perth International Arts Festival (PIAF) Tickets
    Enjoy the culture of the performances, but also sit back knowing that the cultural experience is saving you tax.
  • Robin Winkler Clinic
    Employees can now package the therapy that the Clinic provides for individuals and groups.
  • UniClub Membership
    University Club of Western Australia membership can now be packaged. Staff can enjoy the Club’s facilities for their professional and social needs.
  • UWA Podiatry Clinic
    Employees can now salary package services available at UWA Podiatry Clinic.
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Work Related Benefits

  • Briefcases (or similar carry bag)

    Package the cost of briefcases or similar carry bags.

  • Laptop Computers

    Laptops can be purchased from any retailer. Just ask that retailer to provide you with a quote for the laptop, bring the quote and the declaration that the item is used for work related purposes to Salary Packaging Section and they will provide you with a Purchase Order for the laptop.

  • Mobile Phones

    With the declaration that the phone is only used for work-related purposes, you can package the cost of any phone.

  • PDA’s, Electronic Diaries and Portable Printers (excluding iPods)

    Employees can package these items, but iPods are excluded.

  • Professional Expenses

    Memberships to professional associations, journals and like publications can be packaged.

  • Self Education

    Course fees relevant to your current role at UWA can be packaged.

  • Tools of Trade and Protective Clothing

    With the declaration that the item is used for work related purposes, you can package the cost of any ‘tool’ or ‘protective clothing’ required to perform your job.

  • Union Subscriptions

    You can now package your union membership.

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Otherwise Deductable Benefits

  • Financial Advice

    It is now possible to salary package any financial advice received from either a financial advisor or accountant.

  • Income Protection Insurance

    Employees can now salary package income protection insurance. This insurance is designed to help employees meet their financial commitments should the employee be unable to work due to sickness or accident

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Airport Lounge Membership

The University of Western Australia suggests that employees seek their own independent financial advice before proceeding with any salary packaging arrangements.

Employees may salary package the cost of membership to an airport lounge.

For further information on Airport Lounge Membership, please refer to the University Policy on Qantas Club Membership.

  1. Fees

    An administration fee of 3.0% (GST inclusive) will be charged for salary packaging airport lounge membership.

  2. Total Cost

    The total cost of the membership fees to the employee is the cost minus the Goods and Services Tax (GST).

  3. Repayment

    Employees can negotiate repayment options with the Salary Packaging Coordinator for significant expenses.

PROCEDURES

Employee

  1. Contact the Salary Packaging Section.

  2. A Salary Packaging Agreement will be drawn up and mailed to you for signature. This must be signed and dated prior to purchasing an airport lounge membership.

  3. The employee purchases the Airport Lounge Membership.

  4. The employee must then forward to the Salary Packaging Section, Human Resources M350 –

Salary Packaging Section

  1. Reimbursement of the total cost (GST inclusive) will be co-ordinated by Human Resources and paid to employees, in addition to normal fortnightly salary payment, in the next available pay period.

  2. A single pre-tax recoup deduction will be made by the Salary Packaging Section in the next available pay period.

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Car Parking

The University of Western Australia suggests that employees seek their own independent financial advice before proceeding with any salary packaging arrangements.

Employees can salary package the following car parking fees –

  • UniPark (Red Sticker/Reserved/Car pool)
  • QEII Medical Centre (Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital)
  • Royal Perth Hospital (including Medical Research Foundation and East Metro Health Services)
  • Fremantle Hospital
  • Princess Margaret Hospital

An employee must contact the relevant parking section for the parking permit prior to organising salary packaging of the fee. It should be noted that parking may only be packaged as at the effective date of the Salary Packaging Agreement or the next available pay period. The Salary Packaging Section should be contacted for further information.

  1. Fees

    An administration fee of 2.5% (GST inclusive) will be charged for salary packaging car parking.

PROCEDURES

Employee

  • Contact the appropriate parking office to arrange for your parking permit.
  • Contact the Salary Packaging Section.
  • A Salary Packaging Agreement will be mailed to you for signature. This must be signed and dated before the effective date of the agreement
  • Return the Salary Packaging Agreement to the Salary Packaging Section – Human Resources M350.

Salary Packaging Section

  • On receipt of Salary Packaging Agreement fortnightly deductions will be set up in Alesco.

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Child Care Fees

The University of Western Australia suggests that employees seek their own independent financial advice before proceeding with any salary packaging arrangements.

An employee may package child care fees from the following centres –

UWA Child Care Centre
7 Monash Ave
NEDLANDS WA 6009
Ph: (08) 9389 9511
Email: daycare@acs.uwa.edu.au
Web: http://www.childcare.uwa.edu.au

After School/Vacation Care Centre
18 Parkway
CRAWLEY WA 6009
Ph: (08) 9389 1848
(08) 9389 9433
Email: childcare@acs.uwa.edu.au
Web: http://www.childcare.uwa.edu.au

UniCare Child Care Centre
24 Parkway
CRAWLEY WA 6009
Ph: (08) 6488 2204
Email: unicare@bigpond.net.au
Web: http://www.unichildcare.com.au

Uni Sports for Kids
UWA Sports
35 Stirling Hwy
CRAWLEY WA 6009
Ph: (08) 6488 2286
Web: www.sport.uwa.edu.au/page/usfk

An employee must enrol at the child care centre prior to seeking to salary package the fees. The University cannot guarantee places at the centres listed.

A child/children must be enrolled at one of the above child care centres prior to commencing to salary package the fees.

Child care fees must be paid in advance. The first payment of the child care fees may be for four weeks, ie two weeks for current period + two weeks in advance.

If applying for the Child Care Benefit please provide the Family Assistance Office with all the details of your salary including anything that you may be packaging.  UWA strongly recommends that each family review their own circumstances in relation to claiming the CCB and/or CCTR, and seek independent financial advice.

The University is exempt from paying FBT on the salary packaging of child care fees by virtue of section 47(2) of the Fringe Benefits Tax Assessment Act 1986.  Therefore, for the purposes of both the Child Care Benefit and the Child Care Rebate, the University has the legal liability to pay the Child Care Fees when salary packaged by the employee.

  1. Fees

    An administration fee of 3% (GST inclusive) will be charged for salary packaging Child Care Fees.

PROCEDURES

Employee

  1. Enrol your child/children at one of the child care centres.

  2. Contact the Salary Packaging Section – please ensure you provide details of the fees that need to be paid.

  3. A Salary Packaging Agreement will be mailed to you for signature. This must be signed and dated before the effective date of the agreement.

  4. Complete a Childcare Deduction Form.

  5. Return the Salary Packaging Agreement and the signed Childcare Deduction Form to the Salary Packaging Section – Human Resources M350.

Salary Packaging Section

  1. On receipt of Salary Packaging Agreement fortnightly deductions will be set up in Alesco.

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Novated Car Leases

The University of Western Australia suggests that employees seek their own independent financial advice before proceeding with any salary packaging arrangements.

Employees can salary package novated car leases for new or used cars.

All novated leases are to be arranged with:

Easifleet Management
484 Albany Highway
VICTORIA PARK WA 6100
Ph: (08) 9470 4857
Fax: (08) 9472 3216
Web: http://www.easifleet.com.au/

The novated lease may be finance only, partially maintained or fully maintained. See Easifleet Management for further information.

At the end of the novated lease period the employee can elect to –

  • purchase the vehicle for the residual price, or
  • have Easifleet Management sell the vehicle. If the vehicle is sold for less than the residual price the employee must pay the difference.

Employees who cease to be employed with the University or employees who proceed on leave without pay will be responsible for the novated car lease.

  1. Fees

    An administration fee of 3% (GST inclusive) will be charged for salary packaging Novated Leases.

  2. Fringe Benefits Tax

    Fringe benefits tax (FBT) applies to novated car leases but can be offset if an employee makes a personal contribution towards the car out of after tax salary. The amount of the FBT is dependent on the number of kilometres travelled per annum.

  3. Fringe Benefits Tax Requirements

    Employees will be required to complete a statutory declaration at the end of the FBT year (i.e. 31 March) as evidence of kilometres travelled.

    The Salary Packaging Section will be responsible for issuing the Statutory Declaration form.

    FBT Liability is the responsibility of the employee and is calculated using the following formulas:

    1. Calculate FBT taxable value

      A × B × (C ÷ D) - E = Z

      A = the base value of the car
      B = the statutory percentage (*)
      C = the number of days in the FBT year when the car was used or available for private use of employees (#)
      D = the number of days in the FBT year
      E = the recipient's payment (i.e. employee contributions)
      Z = FBT taxable value

      (*) Concessional Tax Rates (statutory percentage) is:

      Less than 15,000 kms per annum 26%
      15,000 to 24,999 kms per annum 20%
      25,000 to 40,000 kms per annum 11%
      over 40,000 kms per annum 7%
       
      (#) For days to be excluded the vehicle must be commercially garaged. Cost of the garaging can be used to reduce the FBT payable if a tax invoice and receipt are provided to the Salary Packaging Coordinator.

      then

    2. Calculate FBT Liability

      Z × 2.0647 × 46.5% = FBT liability

  4. Goods and Services Tax

    The GST on the residual due at the end of the lease period or on employee contributions made after tax will not be able to be claimed back.
    All liability and payments associated with the residual GST are the responsibility of the employee.

  5. Luxury Car Tax

    Cars which have a value greater than $57,123 are classified as ‘luxury’ by the Australian Taxation Office – carrying an additional tax.

    The additional luxury tax is incorporated into the monthly novated lease payment.

    All liability and payments associated with the luxury tax are the responsibility of the employee.

PROCEDURES

  1. Determine the type of car you may want to package, how many kilometres you will travel per annum and the term of the lease. This information will be required for Easifleet to determine monthly lease costs.

  2. Contact Easifleet Management for a quote on a specific car.

    You may also request for the quote to be emailed to the Salary Packaging Section. Any quotes received by the Salary Packaging Section will be incorporated into the Salary Packaging Calculator with details of your salary to provide you with an example of what your pay would be post salary packaging a novated car lease.

  3. In order to initiate the Salary Packaging Agreement the employee must contact the Salary Packaging Section.

  4. You will need to sign a Salary Packaging Agreement at least the day before you collect the car. If this is not done, you may find yourself paying the first month's repayment after tax.

  5. If you decide to salary package the Novated Car Lease, the Salary Packaging Section will need to sign the quote and send it back to Easifleet Management.

View Link : UWA Process Explained

Frequently asked questions

What is a Novated Lease?

A novated lease is a 3 way agreement between a finance company, your employer (UWA) and yourself. You choose the car you want. The financier provides the money and your employer agrees to pay the monthly instalments on your lease from money deducted from your salary.

What does a novated lease cover?

A fully maintained lease includes lease payments, fuel, insurance, registration, tyres, roadside assistance, service and maintenance cost. These costs are deducted from your salary as a combination of pre and post tax deductions.

How is my Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) calculated?

The amount of FBT payable is based on the purchase price of the vehicle, the statutory percentage which is based on the number of kilometres travelled in a FBT year, and the number days that the vehicle was available for your use.

The FBT taxable value = A × B × C/D - E where:

A = the base value of the car
B = the statutory percentage
C = the number of days in the FBT year when the car was used or available for private use of employees
D = the number of days in the FBT year
E = the recipient's payment (i.e. employee contributions post tax)

Statutory Percentages as set down by the ATO

0 – 14,999 26%
15,000 – 24,999 20%
25,000 – 39,999 11%
40,000 and over 7%

Must I travel the exact number of kilometres that I have nominated?

No. You only need to travel the minimum number of kilometres in your nominated bracket. If you don’t, you may incur an additional FBT liability.

What are “days unavailable”?

Only when you have surrendered custody of your vehicle for a full 24 hour period, are those days classed as “unavailable” for the purpose of calculating the FBT taxable value. Your car must be parked away from your place of residence and you must have surrendered the keys. Long term car parking is not allowed as you have not surrendered the keys. Where custody of the vehicle has been removed, a record must be kept either by way of a statement from your employer, or confirmation from a smash repairer or service agent or receipt for commercial storage.

Do “days unavailable” affect my kilometre target?

No. Your target does not change when you claim days unavailable. The total kilometres travelled determine the FBT statutory percentage used in calculating your FBT taxable value. The total days unavailable reduces the amount of FBT payable on a pro rata basis.

What if I don’t travel the required kilometres?

Your Novated Lease Schedule is based on the number of kilometres you travel in an FBT year as well as your FBT payable. If you don’t achieve the required kilometres your fuel costs are reduced and at the same time your FBT liability may increase. The necessary adjustments need to be made by contacting the Salary Packaging office.

What if I spend over my budget?

Easifleet monitor your spending pattern and should you go over your budget significantly during the period of your lease, you will be contacted to make the necessary adjustment to your Novated Lease Schedule. If at the end of the lease period, you have overspent your budget, an invoice will be sent to your employer (UWA) and you must make arrangements for these costs to be deducted from your pre tax salary.

What if I spend less than my budget?

At the completion of the lease or the termination of the agreement, whichever comes first, all cost variations between budgeted and actual expenses are reconciled. Although lease deductions are taken out of a combination of pre and post tax, the post tax deductions are applied to negate FBT liability. Any unspent funds are deemed to be pre tax, and as such, the reimbursement of these funds is paid to the employee as a pre tax amount. This is to ensure that all PAYG tax has been duly paid by the employee.

How do I arrange for a service or maintenance work?

To get the required work done, you should make a booking at an authorised agent. You will need to let the agent know the vehicle is maintained by easifleet. The agent will then call for authorisation. easifleet will check to make sure the required work is included in your maintenance package, and then provide the agent with an authorisation number to proceed. It is strongly recommended that you use a manufacturer approved service agent (e.g., a dealer) for all mechanical work. For example, if your vehicle is a Holden, you should take it to a Holden dealership.

What is the Residual Value?

The residual value is the value that the ATO places on vehicles that have been purchased under a novated lease arrangement. The value is determined by the period of the lease.

The Australian Tax Office has published minimum residual value percentages for finance leases:

Lease term (Years) Minimum RV %
1 65.63%
2 56.23%
3 46.88%
4 37.50%
5 28.13%

How long can a Novated Lease go for?

Standard novated lease terms are between 12 and 60 months. At the end of the novated lease term, options are available to extend the lease as long as the vehicle is not older than 8 years at the end of the lease.

What happens at the end of the lease period?

There are several options available to you when your current lease is ending:

  • Sell the vehicle privately or through a dealer.
    You must arrange for the purchaser to pay the residual value. You must pay any shortfall in the sale price and residual value and can pocket any excess.
  • Refinance the residual value.
    You can opt to refinance the vehicle over a new term. FBT will be calculated on the original purchase price unless you have held the vehicle for four full FBT years.
  • Purchase the vehicle for the residual value.
    You payout the residual value, transfer the vehicle into your name and meet all running costs.

It is important to remember that you are required to pay the residual value, including GST at the end of your lease, unless you are refinancing the vehicle in which case you can refinance the GST exclusive amount.

What happens if I leave my employer?

If you are considering leaving your employer, please contact your employer and they will advise you of your options which are:

  • Continue paying the lease only payments from post tax monies. The residual will still be payable at the end of the lease period.
  • Re-novate with your new employer. If your new employer offers novated leases, you will need to discuss this with them.
  • Payout the finance lease early. If you choose this option be aware that penalties for terminating the lease early will apply.

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Relocation Expenses

The University of Western Australia suggests that employees seek their own independent financial advice before proceeding with any salary packaging arrangements.

Salary Packaging of Relocation Expenses

An employee may salary package the actual costs associated with relocation, or the difference between the amount provided by the University’s Relocation Policy and the total relocation expenses.

An employee who leaves the University prior to repaying the costs associated with the relocation will be required to repay the outstanding costs immediately.

Expenses associated with relocation must be directly related to an employee accepting an appointment with The University of Western Australia. Under certain conditions these expenses may be exempt from Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) and are therefore able to be salary packaged.

Expenses associated with relocation should be discussed with the Salary Packaging Co-ordinator in the first instance, who will determine if they are eligible for salary packaging.

  1. Insurance

    The employee is responsible for insuring any items involved in the relocation that are not covered by the University’s relocation policy.

  2. Total Cost

    The employee is required to pay all expenses related to relocation (excluding the costs provided for in the University’s Relocation Policy). The total cost of the relocation to the employee will include the cost of the relocation expense minus the Goods and Services Tax (GST).

  3. Fees

    An administration fee of 3% (GST inclusive) will be charged for salary packaging relocation expenses.

  4. Repayments

    The repayment amounts will be agreed between the employee and the Salary Packaging Co-ordinator.

Typical expenses associated with relocation that may be packaged include –

  • Removal and storage of household effects as a result of relocation that are not covered by the University –

    • applies to the employee and their immediate family,
    • removal or storage which commences no later than 12 months after the employee commenced employment with the University.

  • Sale (within two years of appointment to the University) or acquisition (within four years of appointment to the University) of a dwelling as a result of relocation -

    • engagement of a relocation consultant,
    • house inspection,
    • legal fees,
    • bank settlement fees,
    • land title fees,
    • advertising previous house.

  • Stamp duty –

    • the employee must enter into a contract of sale within two (2) years of commencing employment with the University.

  • Connection or reconnection of certain utilities as a result of relocation –

    • telephone,
    • gas,
    • electricity,

    The reconnection of utilities must occur no later than twelve months after commencement of employment with the University.

  • Leasing of household goods while living away from home –

    • the goods must be used primarily for domestic use by, and in connection with, accommodation for the employee and immediate family.

PROCEDURES

Employees

  1. Contact the Salary Packaging Section for initial discussion to ascertain eligibility.

  2. A Salary Packaging Agreement will be drawn up by the Salary Packaging Section for signature

  3. The employee must provide the Salary Packaging Coordinator with –

    • documentary evidence of the expenditure for relocation being associated with taking up the appointment at the University, and
    • a completed Reimbursement Claim Form with a copy of receipts.

Salary Packaging Section

The Salary Packaging Section will commence pre tax fortnightly deductions from the employee’s salary as per the effective dates in the signed Agreement

Reimbursements will be provided to employees through the payroll in the next available pay period after the Reimbursement Claim Form is received by the Salary Packaging Section

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Superannuation

The University of Western Australia suggests that employees seek their own independent financial advice before proceeding with any salary packaging arrangements.

Superannuation – UniSuper

  1. Defined Benefit Division/Accumulation 2 (Formerly the Investment Choice Plan)

    Employees may package their 7% UniSuper – Defined Benefit Division (DBD)/Accumulation 2 (A2) contribution (if they are a member).

    Employees electing to package UniSuper DBD/A2 will have their salary reduced by 8.25%.

    7.00%   is paid into the superannuation fund on the employee’s behalf.
    1.25%   is levied by UniSuper to cover the 15% contributions tax and
    8.25%   administration.

  2. Accumulation 1 (Formerly the Award Plus Plan) and Accumulation 2 (Formerly the Investment Choice Plan)

    Employees may elect to salary package a voluntary contribution to UniSuper – Accumulation 1 (A1) and/or Accumulation 2 (A2).

  3. Fees

    An administration fee of 1% for Voluntary Contributions (GST inclusive) and 2.5% for Compulsory Contributions (GST inclusive) will be charged for salary packaging superannuation.

  4. Special Notes

    • Under the new superannuation legislation with effect 1 July 2009 ‘concessional contributions’ (i.e. employer contributions and salary packaged contributions) will be limited to $25,000 per year per member. The 15% contribution tax still applies on amounts up to $25,000, however, any contribution over this amount will be taxed at the highest marginal tax rate plus the Medicare levy.
    • For members who are aged 50 or more transitional arrangements apply – a limit of $50,000 per year, expiring at the end of the 2011 – 2012 financial year. Any contribution over this amount will be taxed at the highest marginal tax rate plus the Medicare levy.

Example of UniSuper DBD/A2 being packaged –

Before packaging –
Salary per fortnight $ 1,450.00
Less tax 254.00
Less 7% UniSuper DBD/A2 101.50
Net salary $ 1,094.50
 
After packaging –
Salary per fortnight $ 1,450.00
Less 8.25% Unisuper DBD/A2 119.63
Less 2.5% Salary Packaging Fee 2.99
Less Tax 216.00      
Net Salary $ 1,111.38
 
NET SAVING AFTER PACKAGING $ 86.88

PROCEDURES

  1. Contact the Salary Packaging Section.

    In order to initiate the Salary Packaging Agreement the employee must forward the Superannuation Deduction Form to the Salary Packaging Section.

  2. The Salary Packaging Section will then issue the employee with a Salary Packaging Agreement for signing (if one has not been completed in the last 18 months).

  3. Return the Salary Packaging Agreement to the Salary Packaging Section – Human Resources M350.

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UWA Sports & Recreation Association

The University of Western Australia suggests that employees seek their own independent financial advice before proceeding with any salary packaging arrangements.

An employee may package membership and fitness packages available at the UWA Sports and Recreation Association.

Employees will have a range of programs to choose from, including:

  • Health & Fitness Centre Membership
  • Fitness Unlimited Membership
  • Fitness Express Package
  • Personal Training Package

  1. Termination of Employment

    If the employee ceases employment at The University, the UWA Sports and Recreation Association will invoice any amounts outstanding directly to the employee.

  2. Fees

    An administration fee of 3% (GST inclusive) will be charged for salary packaging membership and fitness packages.

PROCEDURES

Employee

  1. Contact the UWA Sports and Recreation Association to organise the membership. You will be required to complete a Payment Options Form.

  2. Contact Salary Packaging Section to arrange completion of a Salary Packaging Agreement.

Salary Packaging Section

  1. The staff at UWA Sports and Recreation Association will forward the paperwork to Human Resources.

  2. Salary Packaging Section will then commence a pre tax deduction from the employee’s salary from the next available pay period.

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Perth International Arts Festival (PIAF) Tickets

The University of Western Australia suggests that employees seek their own independent financial advice before proceeding with any salary packaging arrangements.

An employee may package PIAF tickets to a maximum value of $1000 per annum.

Please take care when selecting events that you wish to attend as refunds on tickets may not be available.

  1. Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT)

    PIAF tickets are an FBT In-house Residual Benefit. The FBT exemption applies to a maximum of $1000 per FBT year (1 April to 31 March) for all in-house benefits per employee. Consideration needs to be taken for in-house benefits other than PIAF tickets that an employee may have access to. Should an employee exceed the $1000 limit in any one FBT year they will be liable for the FBT.

  2. Fees

    An administration fee of 3% (GST inclusive) will be charged for salary packaging of PIAF tickets.

PROCEDURES

Employee

  1. Contact the Salary Packaging Section.

  2. A Salary Packaging Agreement will be forwarded to you for signture before the effective date of the agreement.

  3. You will be given a letter and Special Booking Form to take to BOCS at the Octagon Theatre.

    You will not be able to book your tickets anywhere else.

Salary Packaging Section

BOCS will process the Booking Form and let Salary Packaging Section know the total amount to be packaged.

The Salary Packaging Section will commence a pre tax fortnightly deduction from the employee’s salary and reimbursement from the next available pay period.

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Robin Winkler Clinic

The University of Western Australia suggests that employees seek their own independent financial advice before proceeding with any salary packaging arrangements.

An employee may salary package course fees charged by the Robin Winkler Clinic to a maximum value of $1000 per annum.

  1. Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT)

    Robin Winkler Clinic fees are an FBT In-house Residual Benefit. The FBT exemption applies to a maximum of $1000 per FBT yer (1 April to 31 March) for all in house benefits per employee. Consideration needs to be taken for in house benefits other than Robin Winkler Clinic fees that an employee may have access to. Should an employee exceed the $1000 limit in any one FBT year they will be liable for the FBT.

  2. Fees

    An administration fee of 3% (GST inclusive) will be charged for salary packaging of UWA Podiatry Clinic charges.

PROCEDURES

Employee

  1. Contact the Salary Packaging Section.

  2. A Salary Packaging Agreement will be mailed to you for signature. This must be signed and dated prior to payment of any in-house expenses.

  3. The following must be forward to the Salary Packaging Co-Ordinator, Human Resources M350 –

Salary Packaging Section

The Salary Packaging Section will commence a pre tax fortnightly deduction from the employee’s salary and reimbursement from the next available pay period.

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UniClub Membership

The University of Western Australia suggests that employees seek their own independent financial advice before proceeding with any salary packaging arrangements.

An employee may salary package UniClub membership fees to a maximum value of $1000 per annum.

Subscriptions can be paid fortnightly or annually.

  1. Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT)

    UniClub membership fees are an FBT In-house Residual Benefit. The FBT exemption applies to a maximum of $1000 per FBT year (1 April to 31 March) for all in house benefits per employee. Consideration needs to be taken for in house benefits other than UniClub membership that an employee may have access to. Should an employee exceed the $1000 limit in any one FBT year they will be liable for the FBT.

  2. Membership

    Employees who are current members of UniClub

    Employees who are current members of the University Club of Western Australia must ensure they have a signed Salary Packaging Agreement in place before membership can be converted to a pre-tax deduction.

    Employees who are new members of UniClub

    Employees who wish to commence salary packaging of University Club membership need to complete a “Registration of Interest” with UniClub and they will forward a membership brochure and application form.

  3. Responsibilities of the Employee

    • If at any time the employee wishes to cancel the Salary Packaging arrangement for UniClub membership, the Club must be contacted direct.
    • Where an employee terminates their employment, the employee will need to make arrangements with the University Club to organise an alternative method of payment.
    • If an employee leaves the University or enters into a Leave Without Pay period, the Salary Packaging Section must be advised by the employee.

  4. Fees

    An administration fee of 3% (GST inclusive) will be charged for salary packaging of UniClub membership fees.

PROCEDURES

Existing UniClub Members

  1. Contact the Salary Packaging Section.

  2. A Salary Packaging Agreement will be mailed to you for signature. This must be signed and dated before any conversion of membership can occur (if an Agreement has not been signed in the last 18 months).

New UniClub Members

  1. Employees who wish to commence salary packaging of UniClub membership need to complete a “Registration of Interest” with UniClub, who will then forward a membership brochure and application form.

Salary Packaging Section

The University Club will advise the Salary Packaging Section when a new member wishes to package membership.

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UWA Podiatry Clinic

The University of Western Australia suggests that employees seek their own independent financial advice before proceeding with any salary packaging arrangements.

An employee may salary package fees charged by the UWA Podiatry Clinic to a maximum value of $1000 per annum.

  1. Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT)

    UWA Podiatry Clinic fees are an FBT In-house Residual Benefit. The FBT exemption applies to a maximum of $1000 per FBT yer (1 April to 31 March) for all in house benefits per employee. Consideration needs to be taken for in house benefits other than UWA Podiatry Clinic fees that an employee may have access to. Should an employee exceed the $1000 limit in any one FBT year they will be liable for the FBT.

  2. Fees

    An administration fee of 3% (GST inclusive) will be charged for salary packaging of UWA Podiatry Clinic charges.

PROCEDURES

Employee

  1. Contact the Salary Packaging Section.

  2. A Salary Packaging Agreement will be mailed to you for signature. This must be signed and dated prior to payment of any in-house expenses.

  3. The following must be forwarded to the Salary Packaging Co-Ordinator, Human Resources M350 –

Salary Packaging Section

The Salary Packaging Section will commence a pre tax fortnightly deduction from the employee’s salary and reimbursement from the next available pay period.

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Briefcases (or similar carry bag)

The University of Western Australia suggests that employees seek their own independent financial advice before proceeding with any salary packaging arrangements.

Employees may salary package the cost of one briefcase or similar carry bag per FBT year (1 April to 31 March) if it is work related, ie if the briefcase is to be used for work related purposes only). Proof of this will be required in the form of a Statutory Declaration signed by both the employee and their direct supervisor or manager. A copy of the employee’s job description may be requested to validate the requirements.

  1. Insurance

    A salary packaged briefcase will not be covered by the University's insurance policy. It is the responsibility of the employee to insure the briefcase.

  2. Co-Contribution

    A school/administration department may elect to make a contribution towards the cost of the briefcase. (Further information is provided within the Guidelines annexed to the Salary Packaging Agreement.)

  3. Total Cost

    The total cost of the briefcase to the employee is the cost of the briefcase minus the Goods and Services Tax (GST).

  4. Repayment

    Repayments will be allowable over a period of three months.

  5. Fees

    An administration fee of 3% (GST inclusive) will be charged for salary packaging a briefcase.

PROCEDURES

  1. The employee must obtain a quote for the briefcase from any provider.

  2. In order to initiate the Salary Packaging Agreement the employee must forward to the Salary Packaging Section, Human Resources M350–

  3. A Salary Packaging Agreement will be drawn up by the Salary Packaging Section for signature prior to the effective date of the agreement. The agreement must be signed before the purchase of the brief case.

  4. On receipt of the original signed and dated Salary Packaging Agreement, the Salary Packaging Section will provide a University Purchase Order for the briefcase.

  5. The employee then takes the purchase order, which includes the University’s billing instructions, to the supplier to receive the briefcase.

  6. Reimbursements will only be provided to employees who have an existing Salary Packaging Agreement in place, or for employees who purchased the item after entering into a Salary Packaging Agreement.

  7. The Salary Packaging Section will then commence pre tax fortnightly deductions from the employee’s salary as per the effective dates in the signed Agreement.

  8. The employee is to ensure adequate personal insurance to cover the cost of the briefcase.

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Laptop Computers

The University of Western Australia suggests that employees seek their own independent financial advice before proceeding with any salary packaging arrangements.

Employees may salary package the cost of one laptop computer per FBT year (1 April to 31 March) if it is work related, ie if the laptop is to be used for work related purposes only. Proof of this will be required in the form of a Statutory Declaration signed by both the employee and their direct supervisor or manager. A copy of the employee’s job description may be requested to validate the requirements.

Only hardware and basic software required to make the unit operational can be packaged in line with Australian Taxation Office regulations.

  1. Insurance

    A salary packaged laptop computer will not be covered by the University's insurance policy. It is the responsibility of the employee to insure the laptop.

  2. Co-Contribution

    A school/administration department may elect to make a contribution towards the cost of the laptop computer. (Further information is provided within the Guidelines annexed to the Salary Packaging Agreement.)

  3. Total Cost

    The total cost of the laptop to the employee is the cost of the laptop minus the Goods and Services Tax (GST).

  4. Repayment

    Repayments for the laptop will be allowed for a period of up to two years.

  5. Fees

    An administration fee of 3% (GST inclusive) will be charged for salary packaging a laptop computer.

PROCEDURES

  1. The employee must obtain a quote for the laptop from any provider.

  2. In order to initiate the Salary Packaging Agreement the employee must forward to the Salary Packaging Section, Human Resources M350–

  3. A Salary Packaging Agreement will be drawn up by the Salary Packaging Section for signature prior to the effective date of the agreement. The agreement must be signed before the purchase of the Laptop.

  4. On receipt of the original signed and dated Salary Packaging Agreement, the Salary Packaging Section will provide a University Purchase Order for the laptop

  5. The employee then takes the purchase order, which includes the University’s billing instructions, to the supplier to receive the laptop

  6. Reimbursements will only be provided to employees who have an existing Salary Packaging Agreement in place, or for employees who purchased the item after entering into a Salary Packaging Agreement

  7. The Salary Packaging Section will then commence pre tax fortnightly deductions from the employee’s salary as per the effective dates in the signed Agreement

  8. The employee is to ensure adequate personal insurance to cover the cost of the laptop.

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Mobile Phones

The University of Western Australia suggests that employees seek their own independent financial advice before proceeding with any salary packaging arrangements.

Employees may salary package the cost of one mobile phone per FBT year (1 April to 31 March) if it is work related, ie if the phone is to be used for work related purposes only. Proof of this will be required in the form of a Statutory Declaration signed by both the employee and their direct supervisor or manager. A copy of the employee’s job description may be requested to validate the requirements.

  1. Insurance

    A salary packaged mobile phone will not be covered by the University's insurance policy. It is the responsibility of the employee to insure the phone.

  2. Co-Contribution

    A school/administration department may elect to make a contribution towards the cost of the mobile phone. (Further information is provided within the Guidelines annexed to the Salary Packaging Agreement.)

  3. Total Cost

    The total cost of the mobile phone to the employee is the cost of the phone minus the Goods and Services Tax (GST).

  4. Repayment

    For mobile phones with a value of less than $1,000 repayments will be allowed for a period up to one year. For phones with a value of more than $1,000 the repayments will be allowed for a period up to two years.

  5. Fees

    An administration fee of 3% (GST inclusive) will be charged for salary packaging a mobile phone.

PROCEDURES

  1. The employee must obtain a quote for the mobile phone from any provider.

  2. In order to initiate the Salary Packaging Agreement the employee must forward to the Salary Packaging Section, Human Resources M350 –

  3. A Salary Packaging Agreement will be drawn up by the Salary Packaging Section for signature prior to the effective date of the agreement. The agreement must be signed before the purchase of the phone.

  4. On receipt of the original signed and dated Salary Packaging Agreement, the Salary Packaging Section will provide a University Purchase Order for the mobile phone.

  5. The employee then takes the purchase order, which includes the University’s billing instructions, to the supplier to receive the mobile phone.

  6. Reimbursements will only be provided to employees who have an existing Salary Packaging Agreement in place, or for employees who purchased the item after entering into a Salary Packaging Agreement.

  7. The Salary Packaging Section will then commence pre tax fortnightly deductions from the employee’s salary as per the effective dates in the signed Agreement.

  8. The employee is to ensure adequate personal insurance to cover the cost of the mobile phone.

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PDA’s, Electronic Diaries and Portable Printers – excluding iPods

The University of Western Australia suggests that employees seek their own independent financial advice before proceeding with any salary packaging arrangements.

Employees may salary package the cost of one PDA or ED per FBT year (1 April to 31 March) if it is work related, ie if the PDA or ED is to be used for work related purposes only. Proof of this will be required in the form of a Statutory Declaration signed by both the employee and their direct supervisor or manager. A copy of the employee’s job description may be requested to validate the requirements.

Only hardware and basic software required to make the unit operational can be packaged in line with Australian Taxation Office regulations. Repairs, maintenance, software expenses and items such as keyboards, overlays and cases cannot be packaged with the PDA or ED.

Employees can only package a PDA or ED that is marketed as a PDA or ED. The Salary Packaging Coordinator will validate all requests against this criteria.

  1. Insurance

    A salary packaged PDA or ED will not be covered by the University's insurance policy. It is the responsibility of the employee to insure the PDA or ED.

  2. Co-Contribution

    A school/administration department may elect to make a contribution towards the cost of the PDA or ED. (Further information is provided within the Guidelines annexed to the Salary Packaging Agreement.)

  3. Total Cost

    The total cost of the PDA or ED to the employee is the cost of the PDA or ED minus the Goods and Services Tax (GST).

  4. Repayment

    For PDAs or EDs with a value of less than $1,000 repayments will be allowed for a period up to one year. For PDAs or EDs with a value of more than $1,000 the repayments will be allowed for a period up to two years.

  5. Fees

    An administration fee of 3% (GST inclusive) will be charged for salary packaging a PDA or ED.

PROCEDURES

  1. The employee must obtain a quote for the PDA or ED from any provider.

  2. In order to initiate the Salary Packaging Agreement the employee must forward to the Salary Packaging Section, Human Resources M350 –

  3. A Salary Packaging Agreement will be drawn up by the Salary Packaging Section for signature prior to the effective date of the agreement. The agreement must be signed before the purchase of the PDA or ED.)

  4. On receipt of the original signed and dated Salary Packaging Agreement, the Salary Packaging Section will provide a University Purchase Order for the PDA or ED.

  5. The employee then takes the purchase order, which includes the University’s billing instructions, to the supplier to receive the PDA or ED.

  6. Reimbursements will only be provided to employees who have an existing Salary Packaging Agreement in place, or for employees who purchased the item after entering into a Salary Packaging Agreement.

  7. The Salary Packaging Section will then commence pre tax fortnightly deductions from the employee’s salary as per the effective dates in the signed Agreement.

  8. The employee is to ensure adequate personal insurance to cover the cost of the PDA or ED.

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Professional Expenses

The University of Western Australia suggests that employees seek their own independent financial advice before proceeding with any salary packaging arrangements.

Employees may salary package the cost of membership or subscription to a professional association. The professional expenses must be directly related to an employee’s current employment. A professional association is defined as an organisation whose sole purpose is to enhance the interest of a particular profession, trade or occupation, and can include as an example:

  • memberships to professional bodies and associations; and/or
  • subscription/s to trade and/or professional journals.

Trade Unions do not qualify as a professional expense.

  1. Total Cost

    The total cost of the professional fees to the employee is the cost of the fees minus the Goods and Services Tax (GST).

  2. Fees

    An administration fee of 3% (GST inclusive) will be charged for salary packaging professional fees.

  3. Repayment

    For significant expenses, negotiation between the employee and the Salary Packaging Coordinator can take place to arrange a repayment option.

PROCEDURES

  1. Contact the Salary Packaging Section.

  2. A Salary Packaging Agreement will be mailed to you for signature. This must be signed and dated prior to payment of any in-house expenses.

  3. The following must be forwarded to the Salary Packaging Co-Ordinator, Human Resources M350 –

The Salary Packaging Section will commence a pre tax fortnightly deduction from the employee’s salary from the next available pay period.

Reimbursements of out of pocket expenses will be paid to the employee via the normal fortnightly payroll.

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Self Education

The University of Western Australia suggests that employees seek their own independent financial advice before proceeding with any salary packaging arrangements.

Employees may salary package fees for courses, including any textbooks or equipment relevant to the course. The course must be directly related to an employee’s current employment. These include both UWA supplied courses and those courses provided by other organisations.

Payment of course fees to the Higher Education Loan Program (HELP/HECS) cannot be included under self education.

The packaging of course fees is limited to the financial year in which they are incurred. Employees must ensure that there are an adequate number of pay periods (and salary) from the time packaging commences to the end of the financial year. Requests will not be processed if course fees are greater than the available salary within the financial year (in these cases employees will be required to make claims within their tax return).

Employees must pay the course fee and then submit the original receipt/tax invoice for reimbursement. The purchase must be in the name of the employee and specify the course provided.

  1. Total Cost

    Reimbursements of course fees will be paid to the employee via the normal fortnightly payroll. The Salary Packaging Section will then commence pre-tax deductions through the normal fortnightly payroll to recoup the amount.

    The total cost of salary packaging self education expenses to the employee is the cost of the expenses minus the Goods and Services Tax (GST).

  2. Fees

    An administration fee of 3% (GST inclusive) will be charged for salary packaging self education expenses.

PROCEDURES

  1. Contact the Salary Packaging Section.

  2. A Salary Packaging Agreement will be drawn up by the Salary Packaging Section for signature. The Agreement must be signed and dated prior to the commencemnt any of payment of self education expenses.

  3. Once the Salary Packaging Agreement has been signed, the employee will then be able to package the costs associated with self education expenses.

  4. The following must be forwarded to the Salary Packaging Co-Ordinator, Human Resources M350 –

The Salary Packaging Section will commence a pre-tax fortnightly deduction from the employee’s salary from the next available pay period.

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Tools of Trade and Protective Clothing

The University of Western Australia suggests that employees seek their own independent financial advice before proceeding with any salary packaging arrangements.

Employees may salary package the cost of one tool of trade per FBT year (1 April to 31 March) if it is work related, ie if they are to be used for work related purposes only. Proof of this will be required in the form of a Statutory Declaration signed by both the employee and their direct supervisor or manager. A copy of the employee’s job description may be requested to validate the requirements.

For an item to be deemed tools of trade it must be specifically relevant to the task that the employee performs during his/her normal working day and must be directly related to the job that the employee has been employed to perform at the University. The final decision on whether the tools of trade can be packaged will rest with the Coordinator of Salary Packaging.

  1. Insurance

    Salary packaged tools of trade will not be covered by the University's insurance policy. It is the responsibility of the employee to insure the tools of trade.

  2. Co-Contribution

    A school/administration department may elect to make a contribution towards the cost of the tools of trade. (Further information is provided within the Guidelines annexed to the Salary Packaging Agreement.)

  3. Total Cost

    The total cost of the tools of trade to the employee is the cost of the tools minus the Goods and Services Tax (GST).

  4. Repayment

    For tools of trade with a value of less than $1,000 repayments will be allowed for a period up to one year. For tools with a value of more than $1,000 the repayments will be allowed for a period up to two years.

  5. Fees

    An administration fee of 3% (GST inclusive) will be charged for salary packaging tools of trade.

PROCEDURES

  1. The employee must obtain a quote for the tools of trade from any provider.

  2. In order to initiate the Salary Packaging Agreement the employee must forward to the Salary Packaging Section, Human Resources M350–

  3. A Salary Packaging Agreement will be drawn up by the Salary Packaging Section for signature prior to the effective date of the agreement. The agreement must be signed before the purchase of the tools of trade.

  4. On receipt of the original signed and dated Salary Packaging Agreement, the Salary Packaging Section will provide a University Purchase Order for the tools of trade.

  5. The employee then takes the purchase order, which includes the University’s billing instructions, to the supplier to receive the tools of trade.

  6. Reimbursements will only be provided to employees who have an existing Salary Packaging Agreement in place, or for employees who purchased the item after entering into a Salary Packaging Agreement.

  7. The Salary Packaging Section will then commence pre tax fortnightly deductions from the employee’s salary as per the effective dates in the signed Agreement.

  8. The employee is to ensure adequate personal insurance to cover the cost of the tools of trade.

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Union Subscriptions

The University of Western Australia suggests that employees seek their own independent financial advice before proceeding with any salary packaging arrangements.

When an item is salary packaged, it cannot be claimed as a tax deduction.

Employees may salary package existing or new union subscriptions that are paid fortnightly through payroll deductions.

  1. Fees

    An administration fee of 3% (GST inclusive) will be charged for salary packaging union subscriptions.

PROCEDURES

  1. Contact the Salary Packaging Section.

  2. A Salary Packaging Agreement will be mailed to you for signature. This must be signed and dated prior to any payment of union subscriptions.

  3. The following must be forwarded to the Salary Packaging Co-Ordinator, Human Resources M350 –

The Salary Packaging Section will commence a pre tax fortnightly deduction from the employee’s salary and reimbursement from the next available pay period.

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Financial Advice

The University of Western Australia suggests that employees seek their own independent financial advice before proceeding with any salary packaging arrangements.

When an item is salary packaged, it cannot be claimed as a tax deduction.

Employees may salary package the cost of financial advice received from either a financial advisor or accountant.

Employees must pay the fee and then submit the original receipt/tax invoice for reimbursement. The purchase must be in the name of the employee and specify the advice provided.

  1. Total Cost

    The total cost of salary packaging financial advice expenses to the employee is the cost of the expenses minus the Goods and Services Tax (GST).

  2. Fees

    An administration fee of 3% (GST inclusive) will be charged for salary packaging financial advice expenses.

PROCEDURES

Employee

  1. Contact the Salary Packaging Section.

  2. A Salary Packaging Agreement will be drawn up and mailed to you for signature. This must be signed and dated prior to payment of any financial advice fees.

  3. The employee must then forward to the Salary Packaging Section, Human Resources M350 –

Salary Packaging Section

Reimbursement of the total cost (GST inclusive) will be co-ordinated by Human Resources and paid to employees, in addition to normal fortnightly salary payment, in the next available pay period.

A single pre-tax recoup deduction will be made by the Salary Packaging Section in the next available pay period.

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Income Protection Insurance

The University of Western Australia suggests that employees seek their own independent financial advice before proceeding with any salary packaging arrangements.

When an item is salary packaged, it cannot be claimed as a tax deduction.

Employees can include Income Protection Insurance in their Salary Package as a regular payment benefit.

Income protection insurance is designed to help employees meet their financial commitments should the employee be unable to work due to sickness or accident.

  1. Total Cost

    The total cost of salary packaging income protection expenses to the employee is the cost of the expenses minus the Goods and Services Tax (GST).

  2. Requirements

    The employee must comply with the following requirements to be eligible for salary packaging this insurance –

    • the employee must be the only person insured under the income protection insurance policy.
    • the amount claimed must be 100% work related in order to qualify for the Otherwise Deductible exemption.
    • the employee must provide the original receipt/ tax invoice to the Salary Packaging CoOrdinator.

  3. Exclusion

    Insurance cannot be packaged that partially or wholly provides lump sum compensation for physical injury

  4. Cost

    The total cost of salary packaging this item to the employee is the total cost minus the Goods and Services Tax (GST). plus an administration fee of 3%

  5. Fees

    An administration fee of 3% (GST inclusive) will be charged for salary packaging financial advice expenses.

PROCEDURES

Employee

  1. Contact the Salary Packaging Section.

  2. A Salary Packaging Agreement will be drawn up and mailed to you for signature. This must be signed and dated prior to payment of any income protection insurance fees.

  3. The employee must then forward to the Salary Packaging Section, Human Resources M350 –

    • the signed Salary Packaging Agreement,
    • signed Income Protection Insurance Form
    • an original and valid tax receipt, and
    • a completed Reimbursement Claim Form.

Salary Packaging Section

  1. Reimbursement of the total cost (GST inclusive) will be co-ordinated by Human Resources and paid to employees, in addition to normal fortnightly salary payment, in the next available pay period.

  2. A single pre-tax recoup deduction will be made by the Salary Packaging Section in the next available pay period.

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5.1.2.3 Salary Packaging Frequently Asked Questions

HR SERVICES
Employee Benefits
salarypackaging@uwa.edu.au
University Policy No. 07/192

 

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is salary packaging?
  2. What are the advantages of Salary Packaging?
  3. Is Salary Packaging Legal?
  4. What guidance is given by the ATO in regard to salary packaging arrangements?
  5. Who can participate in salary packaging at the University of Western Australia?
  6. Do I have to enter into a salary packaging arrangement?
  7. Who is responsible for the administration of salary packaging at UWA?
  8. What benefits may be salary packaged at UWA?
  9. What do I need to do to commence salary packaging my UniSuper – Defined Benefit Plan/Accumulation 2 member/employee contributions?
  10. Will superannuation tax affect the salary packaging of my UniSuper – Defined Benefit Plan/Accumulation 2 member or UniSuper – Accumulation 1 voluntary superannuation contributions?
  11. How will packaging UniSuper – Award Plus Plan voluntary contributions affect the University contributions to UniSuper – Award Plus Plan made on my behalf?
  12. How will this affect my superannuation entitlement?
  13. Where are the University-provided child care facilities?
  14. What do I need to do to commence salary packaging fees for University-provided child care?
  15. What is a novated car lease?
  16. Can I only package a novated car lease on a new car?
  17. Do I have to get a car through a specific dealer?
  18. How will salary packaging be reflected on my Payment Summary?
  19. What is Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT)?
  20. How will salary packaging affect the calculation of my allowances and other earnings which are not basic pay?
  21. How will taking leave affect my salary packaging arrangement?
  22. Can I salary package earnings which are in addition to my normal basic pay?
  23. What is the maximum amount of my salary I can package?
  24. How often can I vary the amounts I salary package?
  25. What are the implications for me if I enter into a salary packaging arrangement?
  26. How easy is it to opt out of salary packaging?
  27. What documentation will I receive when I decide to enter into a salary packaging arrangement with the University?
  28. How will salary packaging affect documentation I may receive in the future?
  29. What do I need to do to commence salary packaging my UniSuper – Defined Benefit Division / Accumulation 2 member/employee contributions?
  30. Will superannuation tax affect the salary packaging of my UniSuper – Defined Benefit Division / Accumulation 2 member or UniSuper – Accumulation 1 voluntary superannuation contributions?
  31. How will packaging UniSuper – Voluntary (additional) contributions affect the University contributions to UniSuper – Defined Benefit Division / Accumulation 2 / Accumulation 1 made on my behalf?
  32. How will this affect my superannuation entitlement?
  33.  


     

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Q1. What is salary packaging?

    Salary packaging is allowing staff to receive part of their pay in a form other than take-home pay (cash). By packaging their salary, employees receive part of their pay as cash and part of it as a benefit. The benefit is paid on the employee's behalf by the University, the employee receives less pay and, therefore, pays less PAYE income tax on their reduced income.

    Salary packaging may be referred to as 'salary sacrificing' or flexible remuneration planning.

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    Q2. What are the advantages of salary packaging?

    Salary packaging is gaining in popularity with employers who recognise its potential to attract, recruit and retain quality staff. For the same employment cost, employers may be able to offer a higher net benefit to staff than organisations that offer a more traditional salary approach. Employees, in turn, are given the opportunity to structure their remuneration according to their personal circumstances, age and needs.

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    Q3. Is salary packaging legal?

    Salary packaging is legal and is a practice offered by a number of private and public organisations.

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    Q4. What guidance is given by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) in regard to salary packaging arrangements?

    The ATO decrees that, to be effective, a salary packaging arrangement must operate prospectively; in other words, employees must not earn income and then direct their employer to apply it on their behalf. Salary which is packaged retrospectively will be reclassified as income by the ATO and subject to income tax.

    The salary sacrifice arrangement for packaging superannuation contributions must be properly structured so that the amount sacrificed is not in lieu of an existing and continuing obligation of an employee to make contributions. Changes made to the UniSuper Trust Deed, effective from 1 July 1994, allow employers to pay member contributions to UniSuper.

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    Q5. Who can participate in salary packaging at The University of Western Australia?

    Salary packaging is available to members of staff covered by the Academic Staff, General Staff, ELICOS or Child Care Agreements who, at the time of entering into salary packaging, are on a minimum three (3) month or longer employment contract.

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    Q6. Do I have to enter into a salary packaging arrangement?

    A Salary packaging is a voluntary option for members of staff. The decision of whether or not to enter into a salary packaging arrangement will rest with each individual employee.

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    Q7. Who is responsible for the administration of salary packaging at UWA?

    Rose Cunningham is currently the Salary Packaging Co-ordinator within the HR Systems & Employee Benefits team. This position will be responsible for the implementation and on-going administration of salary packaging.

    Tel: (08) 6488 7186
    Fax: (08) 6488 7138
    Email: rose.cunningham@uwa.edu.au

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    Q8. What benefits may be salary packaged at UWA?

    Current items able to be packaged are listed in “What can be packaged?”.

    Under current regulations, all the above listed benefits are exempt from fringe benefits tax (FBT) except for the Novated Car Leases, which are subject to FBT.

    The current eligibility 'rules' for UniSuper – Defined Benefit Plan/Accumulation 2 membership will continue to apply, ie, staff must be on employment contracts of 2 years before they may join UniSuper – Defined Benefit Plan/Investment Choice Plan.

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    Q9. What do I need to do to commence salary packaging my UniSuper – Defined Benefit Plan/Accumulation 2 Plan member/employee contributions?

    Only those employees who are existing members of UniSuper – Defined Benefit Plan/Accumulation 2 Plan, or who are eligible to become members, will be entitled to salary package their employee contributions.

    If you are an existing member, you may commence salary packaging contributions from the first day of any future pay period. New members to the Fund may commence salary packaging from the date of joining the Fund provided all the paperwork is signed prior to the joining date or from the first day of any future pay period.

    You will need to complete and sign UniSuper documentation if you have not already done so. In addition, you will enter into a salary packaging arrangement with the University by signing a salary packaging contract.

    Once all the documentation has been completed, your current UniSuper – Defined Benefit Plan/Accumulation 2 employee contribution (7% of salary) will cease and your pay will be reduced by 8.25%. The 8.25% will be forwarded to UniSuper on your behalf where 7% will be credited to your UniSuper – Defined Benefit Plan/Accumulation 2 account and the rest will be put to the 15% contributions tax that applies.

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    Q10. Will superannuation tax affect the salary packaging of my UniSuper – Defined Benefit Plan/Accumulation 2 member or UniSuper – Award Plus Plan voluntary super-annuation contributions?

    Under current legislation, employer contributions to UniSuper are subject to a 15% contributions tax. However, employee contributions to UniSuper are not subject to this tax because they are paid from after-tax salary. If an employee contribution is salary packaged, it becomes an employer contribution and, accordingly, is subject to the 15% contributions tax. This is why the 7% employee contribution to UniSuper – Defined Benefit Plan/Accumulation 2 becomes an 8.25% 'employer' contribution (8.25% less 15% equals 7%).

    From 1 July 2007 the government has set contribution limits. If your contributions exceed these limits, you may have to pay extra tax on the excess contributions. As at 1 July 2007 the 15% contribution tax applies for the first $50,000 of before-tax contributions to your super fund (includes employer contributions and salary packaged contributions). Any before-tax contributions received above this $50,000 cap will be taxed at the highest marginal rate of 46.5% including the Medicare levy. The $50,000 cap (as at 1 July 2007) is indexed each year, refer to Tax Office or UniSuper web sites for current cap level. Until 30 June 2012 transitional arrangements apply that allow anyone aged 50 or over contributions up to $100,000.

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    Q11. How will packaging UniSuper – Accumulation 1 voluntary contributions affect the University contributions to UniSuper – Accumulation 1 made on my behalf?

    Salary packaging UniSuper – Accumulation 1 voluntary contributions will not affect existing employer contributions made by the University on your behalf. The University will continue to pay contributions to UniSuper – Accumulation 1 based on your superannuable salary (not your reduced salary).

    Voluntary contributions made by an employee to UniSuper – Accumulation 1 are in addition to the employer contributions made by the University.

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    Q12. How will this affect my superannuation entitlement?

    Superannuation benefits are based on the gross salary of the position occupied and are not affected by employees reducing their gross salary. However, employees must be aware of the possible disadvantages of packaging super-annuation contributions: under present legislation, employees could face reduced tax concessions on super-annuation resignation and retirement benefits, an increase in the amount that the super-annuation Surcharge is applied to or may find their benefits are greater than the Reasonable Benefit Limits (RBL). This is why it is important for employees to seek financial advice prior to entering into a salary packaging arrangement.

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    Q13. Where are the University-provided child care facilities?

    There are four child care facilities at the University:

    UWA Employees' Child Care Centre, Monash Ave, Nedlands (long day care)
    UniCare Child care Centre, 24 Parkway, Nedlands (long day care)
    After School Care Centre, 18 Parkway, Nedlands
    School holiday programmes at 18 Parkway, Nedlands

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    Q14. What do I need to do to commence salary packaging fees for University-provided child care?

    You will need to advise the Co-ordinator, Salary Packaging, the amount of fortnightly fees you pay to your child care provider.

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    Q15. What is a novated car lease?

    A novated car lease is when an employee organises to lease a car through a fleet management company. The lease is then 'novated' or transferred to the employer. In other words, the employer becomes responsible for the lease repayments. However, if the employee ceasing working for the employer the lease and all its obligations become the employee's responsibility. The residual on the car lease is also the employee's responsibility.

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    Q16. Can I only package a novated car lease on a new car?

    No – you can package a novated car lease on a new or a used car. The only restrictions apply to the value and age of the car. In the case of age most finance companies will not approve a lease if a car will be over 10 years old or 100,000km at the end of the lease period.

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    Q17. Do I have to get a car through a specific dealer?

    You can go to any car dealer to get your car but but it is advisable to contact Easifleet Management, 484 Albany Highway, Victoria Park in the first instance.

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    Q18. How will salary packaging be reflected on my Payment Summary?

    Your reduced taxable income and the amount of tax paid will be reported on your Payment Summary. However, if you package fringe benefits taxable items and the taxable value of the fringe benefits exceeds $2,000 within the FBT year (1 April – 31 March) the grossed up value of this will be shown on your Payment Summary under the heading Reportable Fringe Benefits. Whilst this will not affect your income tax it will be taken into account when the super-annuation surcharge, MediCare Levy surcharge, child care benefits, child care maintenance etc is calculated.

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    Q19. What is Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT)?

    FBT was introduced in 1986 to tax the value of benefits given to employees. A fringe benefit is a benefit which is provided to an employee in respect of employment; FBT is a tax payable by employers on the value of the fringe benefit. Certain items may be exempt from FBT (for instance super-annuation), some may be treated concessionally (for instance cars) and some items attract the full rate of FBT.

    Child care is only FBT exempt if, along with other conditions, the child care facility is located on the employer's premises. This is why we are only offering University-provided child care as a non cash benefit for salary packaging purposes.

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    Q20. How will salary packaging affect the calculation of my allowances and other earnings which are not basic pay?

    The following payments will be calculated on your Award/Agreement rate of pay (not your reduced taxable income):

    Leave Loading
    Redundancy/early retirement payments
    Overtime
    Shift work
    Outstanding leave entitlements on termination of appointments
    Higher Duties Allowances (HDAs) will be calculated on the difference between the two
    Award/Agreement rates of pay applicable at the time.

    The following payments will be calculated on your reduced taxable income:

    • Any form of leave taken whilst salary packaging.
    • If you take leave whilst salary packaging, you will continue to receive your reduced level of pay and benefits will continue to be paid by the University on your behalf except leave without pay and leave at half pay where you must withdraw from salary packaging prior to proceeding on this type of leave.

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    Q21. How will taking leave affect my salary packaging arrangement?

    Any form of leave taken whilst salary packaging will be paid at the reduced rate of pay, ie, there is no difference to the take-home pay of the employee since the benefits will continue to be paid by the University and the employee will continue to receive his/her reduced pay.

    However, there are certain conditions to be noted relating to leave:

    • Leave on half pay will not be allowed while the salary packaging contract is in place.
    • Leave Without Pay will not be allowed while the salary packaging contract is in place. The only exception to this rule is Sick Leave Without Pay (SLWOP).
    • Sick Leave Without Pay will cause the salary packaging contract to be suspended.

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    Q22. Can I salary package earnings which are in addition to my normal basic pay?

    Temporary allowances, casual earnings or additional payments such as overtime, leave loading or shift allowances may not be salary packaged.

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    Q23. What is the maximum amount of my salary I can package?

    The ATO does not stipulate any limit nor does the University. The ATO has however advised that commencing 1 July 2007 there will be restrictions applied to the amount that can be packaged into superannuation in regards to tax applied.

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    Q24. How often can I vary the amounts I salary package?

    You can vary the amounts at any time provided sufficient notice is provided and it is for a future date.

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    Q25. What are the implications for me if I enter into a salary packaging arrangement?

    Salary packaging will have its advantages and disadvantages and will depend upon personal circumstances. The net gains to be made must be weighed against potential future taxation penalties in regard to packaging super-annuation contributions and the potential loss of Government financial assistance for parents who salary package fees for University-provided child care.

    The University strongly recommends that employees seek professional, financial advice prior to entering into a salary packaging arrangement.

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    Q26. How easy is it to opt out of salary packaging?

    Provision will be made in the salary packaging contract for employees and the University to "opt out" of salary packaging. An employee who "opts out" of packaging UniSuper – Defined Benefit Plan/Investment Choice Plan member contributions would revert back to paying the 7% member contribution from after-tax salary.

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    Q27. What documentation will I receive when I decide to enter into a salary packaging arrangement with the University?

    A salary packaging contract will be drawn up between you (the employee) and the University (your employer). This contract will be valid until such time as either party decides to terminate the contract.

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    Q28. How will salary packaging affect documentation I may receive in the future?

    The format of your Salary Advice (payslip) will reflect your salary packaging arrangements.

    Your bi-annual UniSuper statements will reflect the amount of contributions paid under a salary packaging arrangement.

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    Q29. What do I need to do to commence salary packaging my UniSuper – Defined Benefit Division / Accumulation 2 member/employee contributions?

    Only those employees who are existing members of UniSuper – Defined Benefit Division / Accumulation 2, or who are eligible to become members, will be entitled to salary package their employee contributions.

    If you are an existing member, you may commence salary packaging contributions from the first day of any future pay period. New members to the Fund may commence salary packaging from the date of joining the Fund provided all the paperwork is signed prior to the joining date or from the first day of any future pay period.

    You will need to complete and sign UniSuper documentation if you have not already done so. In addition, you will enter into a salary packaging arrangement with the University by signing a salary packaging contract.

    Once all the documentation has been completed, your current UniSuper – Defined Benefit Division / Accumulation 2 employee contribution (7% of salary) will cease and your pay will be reduced by 8.25%. The 8.25% will be forwarded to UniSuper on your behalf where 7% will be credited to your UniSuper – Defined Benefit Division / Accumulation 2 account and the rest will be put to the 15% contributions tax that applies.

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    Q30. Will superannuation tax affect the salary packaging of my UniSuper – Defined Benefit Division / Accumulation 2 member or UniSuper – Accumulation 1 voluntary super-annuation contributions?

    Under current legislation, employer contributions to UniSuper are subject to a 15% contributions tax, refer special notes. However, employee contributions to UniSuper are not subject to this tax because they are paid from after-tax salary. If an employee contribution is salary packaged, it becomes an employer contribution and, accordingly, is subject to the 15% contributions tax. This is why the 7% employee contribution to UniSuper – Defined Benefit

    Division / Accumulation 2 becomes an 8.25% 'employer' contribution (8.25% less 15% equals 7%).

    From 1 July 2007 the government has set contribution limits. If your contributions exceed these limits, you may have to pay extra tax on the excess contributions. As at 1 July 2007 the 15% contribution tax applies for the first $50,000 of before-tax contributions to your super fund (includes employer contributions and salary packaged contributions).. Any before-tax contributions received above this $50,000 cap will be taxed at the highest marginal rate of 46.5% including the Medicare levy. The $50,000 cap (as at 1 July 2007) is indexed each year, refer to Tax Office or UniSuper web sites for current cap level. Until 30 June 2012 transitional arrangements apply that allow anyone aged 50 or over contributions up to $100,000.

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    Q31. How will packaging UniSuper – Voluntary (additional) contributions affect the University contributions to UniSuper – Defined Benefit Division / Accumulation 2 / Accumulation 1 made on my behalf?

    Salary packaging UniSuper – voluntary contributions will not affect existing employer contributions made by the University on your behalf. The University will continue to pay contributions to the UniSuper plans based on your superannuable salary (not your reduced salary).

    Voluntary contributions made by an employee to the UniSuper plans are in addition to the employer contributions made by the University.

    Currently UniSuper do not levy an administration fee on voluntary contributions

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    Q32. How will this affect my superannuation entitlement?

    Super-annuation contributions and benefits are based on the gross salary (superannuable) of the position occupied and are not affected by employees reducing their gross salary. However, employees should consider all the financial implications of salary packaging superannuation contributions and if required seek financial advice. Employees should review their packaging arrangements on a regular basis taking into account changes to superannuation legalisation, refer Special Notes.

     

 
 

5.1.3 Forms

(this website is being developed on an ongoing basis)

 
 

5.2 Employee Benefits

5.2.1   MBF Corporate Health and Fitness

5.2.2   HBF Corporate Health Plan

5.2.3   Medibank Priority Corporate Health Cover

5.2.4   Westpac Bank

 

5.2.1 HBF Corporate Health Plan

HR SERVICES
Employee Benefits
salarypackaging@uwa.edu.au

 

HBF Corporate Health Plan

 

HBF logo

Click on logo for more information

 

 

5.2.2 MBF Corporate Health and Wellness

HR SERVICES
Employee Benefits
salarypackaging@uwa.edu.au

 

MBF Corporate Health and Wellness

 

MBF logo From 1st of February 2009 you can choose to
contact MBF direct on 1300 653 525 to receive
corporate rate information. Ensure you mention
that you are with University of Western Australia.

Click on logo for more information

 

 

5.2.3 Medibank Priority Corporate Health Cover

HR SERVICES
Employee Benefits
salarypackaging@uwa.edu.au

 

Medibank Priority Corporate Health Cover

 

MediBank Private logo Contact Medibank Corporate Call Centre on
131 680 or email wacorporate@medibank.com.au

Click on logo for more information

 

 
 
 
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