South Australia: Salary overpayments and recovery safeguards
Version checked: 22 January 2026.
Determination 6 governs recovery of salary overpayments for covered public-service and declared employment, and provides guidance for other public-sector agencies. It links payroll recovery to section 70 of the Public Sector Act 2009 and the government’s debt-recovery framework.
The agency should explain the reason, amount and proposed repayment arrangement. The document distinguishes debts of $50 or less from larger debts and provides for deductions where agreement is not reached. Financial hardship can justify a different repayment rate or period, but must be objectively demonstrated.
Good-faith receipt followed by detrimental reliance may require legal consideration rather than an automatic rejection of the employee’s position. The document also distinguishes mistaken leave accrual from knowingly approved leave in advance. It limits commencement of recovery under section 70 to six years from creation of the debt; that is not a universal statement about every possible recovery action.
For correctional payroll disputes, request a pay-period calculation and identify the disputed allowance, roster or leave entry. Preserve payslips, notices and hardship evidence. An employer’s assertion of overpayment should be checked, not treated as an admission by the employee.
General information, not advice on a particular case. Check coverage and the current industrial instrument before acting.
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