Buyer's Guide · Australia
Best HR Software in Australia (2026)
By Rajat Gupta, Founder & Lead Reviewer
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This guide ranks the 9 best HR Software options available in Australia as of 2026, ordered by SpotScore — a composite of ratings, verified reviews, and feature coverage. All tools listed support Australian compliance requirements and are evaluated for suitability in the Australian market.
Top HR Software in Australia: Quick Comparison
Ranked by SpotScore — a composite of ratings, reviews, and feature coverage
| # | Product | SpotScore | Rating | Pricing model |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Access People HR | 9.0 | 4.1/5 (420) | Free Trial, Subscription |
| 2 | EntireHR | 8.6 | 4.3/5 (268) | Quotation Based |
| 3 | intelliHR | 8.4 | 4.8/5 (77) | Subscription, Quotation Based |
| 4 | Worknice | 8.1 | 5.0/5 (20) | Quotation Based, Subscription |
| 5 | Wellcome | 7.6 | — | Free Trial, Subscription, Quotation Based |
| 6 | Employment Hero | — | 4.3/5 (46) | Free Trial, Subscription, Quotation Based, Freemium |
| 7 | Remote.com | 9.4 | 4.6/5 (50) | Subscription |
| 8 | Rippling | 9.4 | 5.0/5 (1,829) | Quotation Based |
| 9 | Deel | 8.5 | 5.0/5 (4,941) | Subscription, Quotation Based |
1. Access People HR
Empower your HR with People HR.
- SpotScore
- 9.0/10
- User rating
- Pricing model
- Free Trial, Subscription
- Availability
- Available in Australia
Access PeopleHR is a cloud-based HR and payroll software platform designed for UK businesses of all sizes, from startups to large enterprises. Built for HR professionals, operations teams, and people managers, the platform helps streamline HR processes like employee onboarding, absence tracking, performance reviews, and payroll management. It empowers teams with features such as AI-powered HR assistance, self-service employee portals, customizable workflows, timesheet tracking, and detailed HR reporting. With modules for applicant tracking, appraisals, task automation (via Ripple®), and benefits management, Access PeopleHR supports end-to-end HR operations from hire to retire. It integrates seamlessly with tools like Slack, Google Drive, Microsoft Office, Sage Payroll, ADP, and Zapier, making it easy to connect with your existing software stack. Whether managing employee data, improving engagement, or ensuring payroll accuracy, Access PeopleHR offers a comprehensive, user-friendly solution to make HR simpler and more effective.
2. EntireHR
Streamline and simplify your HR needs.
- SpotScore
- 8.6/10
- User rating
- Pricing model
- Quotation Based
- Availability
- Available in Australia
EntireHR is cloud-based HR platform that does it all – payroll, benefits administration, timesheets and attendance tracking, HR document management, and more. It's the first comprehensive HR software product in the cloud that requires no big up-front investment and allows you to pay for just what you need using a simple, flexible subscription model.
3. intelliHR
Streamline HR, unleash potential.
- SpotScore
- 8.4/10
- User rating
- Pricing model
- Subscription, Quotation Based
- Availability
- Available in Australia
intelliHR is a cloud-based human resources platform designed to support HR leaders, people managers, and growing organizations in managing the entire employee lifecycle with efficiency and transparency. Ideal for mid-sized businesses and enterprises, it offers tools for performance management, employee engagement, compliance tracking, onboarding, and advanced people analytics. Users can automate workflows, gather continuous feedback through pulse surveys, and align performance with strategic goals using OKRs and real-time check-ins. The platform supports workforce planning and compensation management, while its intelligent analytics deliver data-driven insights for better decision-making. intelliHR integrates with platforms like Workday, Xero, Microsoft Teams, and Slack, ensuring seamless connectivity across HR ecosystems.
4. Worknice
Streamline HR operations for efficiency and engagement.
- SpotScore
- 8.1/10
- User rating
- Pricing model
- Quotation Based, Subscription
- Availability
- Available in Australia
Worknice is an HR platform for managing onboarding, offboarding, and day-to-day people operations from a central system. It automates HR workflows, consolidates employee data, and integrates with existing tools to reduce manual tasks and improve data security.
5. Wellcome
Arrive safely, work confidently.
- SpotScore
- 7.6/10
- Pricing model
- Free Trial, Subscription, Quotation Based
- Availability
- Available in Australia
Wellcome is a comprehensive workplace management platform that enables enterprises to provide a hassle-free and secure arrival experience to their personnel, all while adhering to the ever-changing safety regulations in the midst of this pandemic. By scheduling shifts ahead of time, employers can track their workers' exact location and be made aware of any potential COVID-19 cases in the workplace. Plus, a contactless check-in procedure with personal QR codes allows for a touch-free greeting process.
6. Employment Hero
Streamline Employment with our All-in-One Solution
- User rating
- Pricing model
- Free Trial, Subscription, Quotation Based, Freemium
- Availability
- Available in Australia
Employment Hero is the global authority on employment, offering a world-leading Employment Operating System (eOS) that simplifies and optimises every stage of the employment process. Its award-winning platform combines HR, payroll, recruitment, and employee engagement tools with the groundbreaking employment superapp, EH Work, which integrates career management and financial wellbeing. Serving over 350,000 businesses and managing more than 2.5 million employees worldwide, Employment Hero reduces administrative burdens by up to 80%, enabling organisations to focus on their goals and create more productive, engaged teams. By revolutionising the employment marketplace, Employment Hero is making employment easier, more valuable, and rewarding for everyone.
7. Remote.com
Effortlessly manage your remote workforce.
- SpotScore
- 9.4/10
- User rating
- Pricing model
- Subscription
- Availability
- Available in Australia
Remote.com is a remote work management platform that simplifies global payroll, compliance, and workforce administration for businesses of all sizes. It seamlessly integrates with HR systems, centralizing payroll data for security and accuracy. The platform enables effortless onboarding with legally compliant contracts and benefits administration across multiple jurisdictions. Its Remote IP Guard safeguards intellectual property, while automated payroll processing supports over 100 currencies with one-click payments and invoicing. Compliance automation ensures adherence to international labor laws, minimizing legal risks. Employers can manage full-time employees, contractors, and freelancers from a single dashboard, improving workforce visibility. Real-time data synchronization enhances payroll accuracy, while encryption protocols ensure data privacy and regulatory compliance. Multi-language support and built-in analytics provide workforce insights, aiding global expansion strategies. The scalable infrastructure makes it ideal for startups to large enterprises navigating international hiring. Remote.com removes barriers to global employment, allowing businesses to focus on growth, innovation, and operational efficiency.
8. Rippling
Streamline your workforce with Rippling's all-in-one solution.
- SpotScore
- 9.4/10
- User rating
- Pricing model
- Quotation Based
- Availability
- Available in Australia
Rippling is an all-in-one global workforce management platform that seamlessly integrates HR, IT, and finance into a unified system. Designed to streamline business operations, Rippling offers comprehensive tools for managing the entire employee lifecycle—from recruitment and onboarding to payroll, benefits, and compliance. It simplifies IT management by automating device provisioning, software access, and security configurations. Additionally, Rippling provides robust financial tools, including automated expense tracking and seamless integrations with accounting software. With its centralized approach, businesses can efficiently handle global workforce needs, ensuring compliance and operational efficiency. The platform's automation capabilities reduce administrative workload while providing real-time insights into workforce data. Ideal for businesses of all sizes, Rippling enhances productivity by eliminating redundant processes and offering a scalable solution for managing employees worldwide.
9. Deel
Global HR simplified and compliant, all-in-one.
- SpotScore
- 8.5/10
- User rating
- Pricing model
- Subscription, Quotation Based
- Availability
- Available in Australia
Deel is an all-in-one Global People platform that simplifies and streamlines every aspect of managing an international workforce—from culture and onboarding to local payroll and compliance. Deel is built to scale with organizations of all sizes, from small teams to enterprises of thousands. Whether an organization wants to hire worldwide without opening legal entities, streamline HR for its global team, or pay all types of workers anywhere with consolidated payroll—Deel does it all with full compliance. With Deel HR, organizations can bring all of their employee data from around the world into a single global HRIS. Deel compliantly localizes everything—from onboarding to holiday days—based on location and local labor laws.
How to Choose HR Software in Australia
Navigating the landscape of HR Software in Australia requires a solid understanding of the regulatory environment and compliance obligations that impact your business. The Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) and the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) are the primary governing bodies overseeing employment standards and tax compliance, respectively. Your business must adhere to the Fair Work Act 2009, which mandates accurate record-keeping and reporting of employee entitlements. Additionally, compliance with the Single Touch Payroll (STP) system is essential for reporting payroll and tax information directly to the ATO. The core challenge you face is ensuring that your chosen HR software not only meets these regulatory requirements but also streamlines your HR processes effectively. Failure to comply can lead to significant penalties and operational disruptions, making the selection of the right software a critical decision.
Australia's Notifiable Data Breaches scheme obliges any organisation covered by the Privacy Act 1988 to notify both the affected individuals and the OAIC where a breach is likely to result in serious harm, so breach detection and evidence trails in HR software carry a legal consequence.1 Major local players like Xero and MYOB dominate the market, providing tailored solutions for compliance and efficiency.
Key Regulations
Fair Work Act 2009
The Fair Work Act 2009 requires Australian businesses to maintain accurate records of employee hours, wages, and entitlements. Your HR software must include functionalities for tracking employee attendance and generating payslips that comply with the National Employment Standards. Non-compliance can result in penalties of up to AUD 63,000 for corporations and AUD 12,600 for individuals, along with potential legal action from the Fair Work Ombudsman.
Single Touch Payroll (STP)
Single Touch Payroll, mandated by the ATO, requires businesses to report payroll information to the ATO at the time of payment. Your HR software must facilitate STP reporting, including employee tax file numbers and superannuation contributions. Failure to comply can lead to penalties of AUD 1,050 for small businesses and AUD 2,100 for larger entities, along with delays in employee access to superannuation and tax records.
Superannuation Guarantee (Administration) Act 1992
The Superannuation Guarantee (Administration) Act 1992 mandates that employers contribute a minimum percentage of an employee's earnings to their superannuation fund. Your software must automate superannuation calculations and ensure timely contributions to avoid penalties. Non-compliance can result in the Superannuation Guarantee Charge, which includes the unpaid superannuation amount plus interest and an administration fee.
Work Health and Safety Act 2011
The Work Health and Safety Act 2011 requires businesses to ensure a safe working environment for employees. Your HR software should include features for incident reporting, risk assessments, and compliance tracking. Failure to comply can lead to significant fines, with penalties reaching up to AUD 3 million for corporations and AUD 600,000 for individuals, depending on the severity of the breach.
Privacy Act 1988
The Privacy Act 1988 governs the handling of personal information in Australia. Your HR software must include data protection features, such as secure storage and access controls, to comply with the Australian Privacy Principles. Breaches can result in penalties of up to AUD 2.1 million for corporations, along with reputational damage and legal consequences.
Fair Work Regulations 2009
The Fair Work Regulations 2009 outline specific record-keeping requirements for employers, including the need to keep records of employee agreements and pay rates. Your HR software must enable easy access to these records and generate reports as required. Non-compliance can lead to penalties of up to AUD 63,000 for corporations and AUD 12,600 for individuals.
What to Look For
ATO-compliant Single Touch Payroll functionality
Your HR software must support ATO-compliant Single Touch Payroll to ensure timely and accurate reporting of payroll data. Verify that the software can handle real-time submissions and updates to employee information as required by the ATO. This feature is crucial for avoiding penalties associated with late or incorrect reporting.
Automated superannuation calculations
The software should automate superannuation calculations based on the current Superannuation Guarantee rate, which is 11% as of 2025. This feature is essential for ensuring compliance and timely contributions to employee superannuation funds. Confirm with vendors that their software can adapt to changes in superannuation rates and regulations.
Incident reporting and compliance tracking
Your HR software must include incident reporting tools to comply with the Work Health and Safety Act 2011. This feature should enable employees to report incidents easily and track compliance with safety regulations. Ensure that the software can generate reports for internal audits and regulatory inspections.
Data protection and privacy compliance tools
The software must include features that comply with the Privacy Act 1988, such as secure data storage and access controls. This capability is vital for protecting employee information and avoiding potential breaches. Verify that the vendor can demonstrate compliance with the Australian Privacy Principles.
Customizable reporting for Fair Work compliance
Your HR software should offer customizable reporting features to meet the requirements of the Fair Work Regulations 2009. This includes the ability to generate reports on employee agreements and pay rates. Confirm that the software can provide the necessary documentation for audits and compliance checks.
Integration with payroll tax systems
The software must integrate seamlessly with payroll tax systems to ensure accurate reporting to the ATO. This feature is crucial for maintaining compliance with tax obligations and avoiding penalties. Check that the vendor can provide examples of successful integrations with existing payroll tax systems.
Common mistake: A common mistake Australian businesses make is purchasing HR software that lacks ATO-compliant Single Touch Payroll functionality. This oversight can lead to significant penalties for late or incorrect payroll reporting. Before finalizing your purchase, ensure the vendor can demonstrate compliance with STP requirements to avoid costly regulatory issues.
Compliance Checklist
Does the software support ATO-compliant Single Touch Payroll submissions?
This question is critical because STP compliance is mandatory for all Australian businesses. If the vendor answers no, you will need to consider alternatives that can meet this requirement to avoid penalties.
Can the software automate superannuation calculations based on current rates?
Automating superannuation calculations is essential for compliance with the Superannuation Guarantee (Administration) Act 1992. If the vendor cannot confirm this capability, you risk non-compliance and potential financial penalties.
Does the software include incident reporting features for workplace safety?
Incident reporting is required under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011. If the vendor says no, you may need to look for software that can ensure compliance with safety regulations.
Is the software compliant with the Australian Privacy Principles?
Compliance with the Privacy Act 1988 is crucial for protecting employee data. A negative response means you should seek software that guarantees adherence to privacy regulations.
Can the software generate reports required by the Fair Work Regulations 2009?
Customizable reporting is necessary for compliance with Fair Work regulations. If the vendor cannot provide this functionality, you may face challenges during audits.
Does the software integrate with existing payroll tax systems?
Integration with payroll tax systems is vital for accurate reporting to the ATO. If the vendor cannot confirm this capability, you risk compliance issues and operational inefficiencies.
Questions to Ask Vendors
- Is your software ATO-compliant for Single Touch Payroll?
- How does your software handle superannuation rate changes?
- Can your software generate reports for Fair Work compliance audits?
- What data protection measures are in place to comply with the Privacy Act 1988?
- Does your software include features for incident reporting under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011?
Frequently Asked Questions
In Australia, the penalty for late payroll tax filing can vary depending on the state or territory. For example, in New South Wales, late lodgment can incur a penalty of AUD 1,000 for the first month and AUD 500 for each subsequent month. It's essential to file on time to avoid these penalties and maintain compliance with the ATO. Consider using HR software that automates payroll tax submissions to mitigate this risk.
Yes, if your business is required to comply with Single Touch Payroll, you need ATO-approved payroll software. This software must be capable of reporting payroll information directly to the ATO at the time of payment. Using non-compliant software can result in penalties and delays in accessing employee tax records. Verify that your chosen software is listed on the ATO's approved software list before making a purchase.
The Fair Work Act 2009 mandates that employers maintain accurate records of employee hours, wages, and entitlements. Therefore, your HR software must include functionalities for tracking attendance and generating compliant payslips. Non-compliance can lead to penalties of up to AUD 63,000 for corporations. Ensure your software can meet these record-keeping requirements to avoid legal repercussions.
When selecting HR software in Australia, look for features that support ATO-compliant Single Touch Payroll, automated superannuation calculations, and incident reporting tools for workplace safety. These functionalities are essential for compliance with various regulations, including the Superannuation Guarantee (Administration) Act 1992 and the Work Health and Safety Act 2011. Verify these capabilities with vendors to ensure your software meets all legal requirements.
Yes, employee data is protected under the Privacy Act 1988, which governs the handling of personal information in Australia. Your HR software must comply with the Australian Privacy Principles to ensure that employee data is stored securely and accessed only by authorized personnel. Breaches can result in penalties of up to AUD 2.1 million for corporations. Ensure your software includes robust data protection features to mitigate this risk.
To comply with Australian privacy laws, ensure your HR software adheres to the Privacy Act 1988. This includes implementing robust data protection measures and allowing employees to access their personal information stored within the system.
The cost of HR software in Australia can vary widely, typically ranging from AUD 10 to AUD 100 per employee per month. Factors affecting pricing include the features offered, the size of your organization, and the level of customer support required.
Implementation of HR software in Australia generally takes between a few weeks to several months, depending on the complexity of the system and the size of the organization. Proper planning, including data migration and training, is essential for a smooth transition.
When choosing HR software in Australia, look for integrations with payroll systems, accounting software, and recruitment platforms. This ensures seamless data flow and improves overall efficiency in managing HR processes.
Yes, many HR software solutions include features that assist with workplace health and safety compliance, such as incident reporting, risk assessments, and training management. Ensuring compliance with the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 is crucial for Australian businesses.
For small businesses in Australia, HR software streamlines processes such as payroll, recruitment, and employee management, saving time and reducing administrative burdens. It also enhances compliance with Australian regulations and can improve employee engagement through better communication.
HR software facilitates remote work in Australia by providing tools for task management, communication, and performance tracking. Features such as time tracking and employee self-service portals help maintain productivity and engagement for remote employees.
Essential security features for HR software in Australia include data encryption, user access controls, and regular security audits. Additionally, compliance with the Australian Cyber Security Centre guidelines is important to protect sensitive employee information.
Yes, cloud-based HR software is a good option for Australian businesses due to its scalability, accessibility, and cost-effectiveness. It allows businesses to access HR tools from anywhere while ensuring automatic updates and compliance with local regulations.
What Is the Most Popular HR Software?
Rippling (11 of 11), Remote.com (11 of 11) and Frappe HR (10 of 11) reach most of the 11 country editions of this HR software ranking, which is the practical test of whether a tool travels with you. EntireHR and intelliHR appear in Australia alone, which usually means depth in local requirements rather than breadth.
- Rippling — ranked in 11 of 11 country editions
- Remote.com — ranked in 11 of 11 country editions
- Frappe HR — ranked in 10 of 11 country editions
- Cornerstone HR — ranked in 10 of 11 country editions
- MIhi — ranked in 9 of 11 country editions
View HR Software by Country
Disclaimer: This research has been collated from a variety of authoritative sources. We welcome your feedback at [email protected].