Salary Packaging Contact Number: How State and Industry Affect Your Pay

What is a salary packaging contact number?

A salary packaging contact number is the phone line or enquiry point you use to set up or manage a salary packaging arrangement with your employer. Salary packaging (also called salary sacrifice) lets you forego part of your pre-tax salary in exchange for benefits such as a car, superannuation contributions, or electronic devices. Because the packaged amount is deducted before tax, your taxable income drops, which can reduce the tax you pay and increase your take-home pay.

If you are looking for a salary packaging contact number, start with your employer’s HR or payroll team. Many organisations have a dedicated provider—such as a salary packaging administrator—who handles the paperwork. The contact number is often listed on your employee intranet, in your employment contract, or on your payslip. If you work in a not-for-profit or public sector role, you may have access to additional packaging options, and the contact number will be specific to your employer’s plan.

How salary packaging interacts with the Salary Index

The Salary Index () sets the national line at 100, which equals full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $108,352 per year (based on ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026). Your gross salary divided by this figure, times 100, gives your index number. For example, if you earn $80,000, your index is about 73.8—below the national line.

Salary packaging does not change your gross salary, but it lowers your taxable income. If you package $15,000 for a car, your taxable income becomes $65,000. Using the 2026–27 resident tax rates (nil up to $18,200, 15% to $45,000, 30% to $135,000, plus 2% Medicare levy), the tax saving could be around $4,500. Your effective take-home pay increases, but the index remains based on your gross ordinary-time earnings. The Salary Index is a benchmark for gross pay, not packaged pay. To see how packaging affects your position, compare your after-tax income to the national after-tax equivalent.

State differences in salary packaging

State indices vary significantly across Australia, reflecting different average earnings and cost-of-living pressures. According to the reference data, the ACT has the highest index at 109.9 ($119,090 annualised), while Tasmania is lowest at 88.6 ($96,008). These differences matter for salary packaging because your marginal tax rate—and therefore the potential tax saving—is higher in states with higher average earnings.

For instance, a worker in Western Australia (index 106.9) earning $115,825 is in the 37% tax bracket (plus Medicare). Packaging $10,000 saves about $3,700 in tax plus $200 Medicare. In Tasmania, a worker earning $96,008 is in the 30% bracket, saving only $3,000 on the same package. So the same salary packaging arrangement yields a bigger benefit in higher-index states.

State-specific rules also apply. For example, some states have their own payroll tax thresholds that affect employers, but not employees directly. If you are considering salary packaging, check with your employer’s salary packaging contact number to see if any state-based caps or FBT concessions apply. The states page on Salary Index can help you compare your state’s average earnings.

Industry differences in salary packaging

Industry indices range from 72.5 (Accommodation and food services) to 154.7 (Mining). Higher-index industries tend to have higher salaries, making packaging more attractive. However, the type of packaging available also depends on the industry.

• Mining (index 154.7): High salaries mean high marginal tax rates. Salary packaging for cars, super, or even remote area housing is common. Contact your employer’s HR for the salary packaging contact number.
• Professional, scientific and technical (index 114.7): Often includes packaging for laptops, phones, and professional memberships. Many firms have a standard arrangement.
• Health care and social assistance (index 97.8): Not-for-profit hospitals and charities can offer FBT-exempt packaging for living expenses up to $15,900 per year (as of 2026–27). This is a significant benefit. Your salary packaging contact number will be with the provider your employer uses.
• Retail trade (index 75.9) and Accommodation and food services (index 72.5): Lower average salaries mean less tax benefit, but some employers still offer packaging for super or novated leases. Check your award or enterprise agreement.

Industry-specific awards may also set rules about what can be packaged. For example, the Hospitality Industry General Award might limit certain benefits. Always refer to your pay guides or industries page for more context.

How to find the right salary packaging contact number

If you are ready to start salary packaging, follow these steps:

1. Check your employment documents – Your contract or employee handbook should list the salary packaging contact number.
2. Ask your HR or payroll – They can provide the direct line or email for the salary packaging administrator.
3. Look for a provider portal – Many companies use third-party administrators like Smart Salary or Maxxia. Their contact numbers are on their websites, but your employer will give you the correct one.
4. Consider your state and industry – As discussed, the value of packaging varies. Use the how the index works page to understand your gross index and estimate potential savings.

Remember, salary packaging is not free money—you are swapping salary for a benefit. The benefit must be something you would otherwise pay for with after-tax dollars. Always get professional advice if you are unsure.

FAQs about salary packaging contact numbers

Q: Where can I find a salary packaging contact number? A: Your employer’s HR or payroll department is the best place to start. Many companies have a dedicated salary packaging provider or a hotline. If you work in a not-for-profit or public sector, your organisation may have a specific salary packaging contact number listed on its intranet or employee portal. For independent advice, you can also contact a salary packaging administrator such as those listed by the FBT Association, but always verify with your employer first.

Q: How do state differences affect salary packaging? A: State indices show how average earnings vary across Australia, from Tasmania (88.6) to the ACT (109.9). Salary packaging can be more valuable in high-index states like the ACT or WA (106.9) because your marginal tax rate may be higher, increasing the tax savings from packaging. However, state-specific taxes like payroll tax or land tax do not directly affect salary packaging, but your overall cost of living might influence how much you choose to package. The Salary Index helps you see where your state sits relative to the national line.

Q: Which industries offer the best salary packaging options? A: Industries with higher index figures, such as Mining (154.7) and Professional, scientific and technical services (114.7), often have higher salaries, making salary packaging more beneficial due to higher marginal tax rates. Not-for-profit sectors (e.g., Health care and social assistance, index 97.8) may offer FBT-exempt benefits like salary packaging for living expenses up to a cap. Always check your award or enterprise agreement, as some industries have specific packaging rules. For a salary packaging contact number, your industry association or employer’s HR can provide details.

Final thoughts

Understanding your salary packaging contact number is the first step to optimising your pay. By considering your state and industry, you can gauge how much you might save. The Salary Index is a useful tool to benchmark your gross earnings, but remember that packaging changes your taxable income, not your index. For personalised advice, talk to your employer or a tax professional. Visit topics for more guides on salary and benefits.