Professionalism and persistence

To obtain payslips from a previous employer in Australia, it's essential to navigate the appropriate channels with professionalism and persistence. Payslips are crucial documents that detail your earnings, deductions, and other financial information during your employment tenure. Whether you need them for personal records, taxation purposes, or to fulfill requirements for a new job or financial application, retrieving payslips involves contacting your former employer's Human Resources (HR) department and following specific procedures.

Below are comprehensive steps to guide you through the process of obtaining your payslips in Australia.


Contact the HR department

Reach out to the HR department of your previous employer. They typically handle payroll matters and should be able to assist you in obtaining your payslips.

Check payroll system

Some companies provide access to an online payroll system where employees can view and download their payslips. If your previous employer has such a system, try logging in to see if you can access your payslips there.

Request payslips in writing

If you're unable to access your payslips online, you can formally request them in writing. Write a polite letter or email to the HR department or your former manager requesting copies of your payslips. Include relevant details such as your full name, employee ID (if known), dates of employment, and the reason for your request.

Provide proof of identity

Some companies may require you to provide proof of identity before releasing sensitive information like payslips. Be prepared to provide identification documents if requested.

Wait for response

After submitting your request, wait for a response from your previous employer. They may need some time to process your request, especially if they have to retrieve archived records.

Follow up

If you don't receive a response within a reasonable timeframe, consider following up with a polite reminder. Sometimes, your request may have been overlooked or misplaced.

Alternative contacts

If you're having trouble reaching the HR department or your former manager, try contacting other relevant departments within the company, such as payroll or administration.

Legal assistance

If your previous employer refuses to provide you with your payslips and you believe you have a legal right to them, you may seek legal advice or assistance from organisations such as Fair Work Australia or a private employment lawyer.


Obtaining payslips from a previous employer in Australia requires diligence and patience. By following the outlined steps, including reaching out to the HR department, checking online payroll systems, and providing necessary documentation, you increase your chances of successfully accessing your payslips. Remember to maintain professionalism and persistence throughout the process.

In the event of difficulties or refusals from your former employer, seeking legal advice or assistance from relevant authorities such as Fair Work Australia can provide additional support. Payslips are vital documents that not only serve as records of your employment but also play a crucial role in various financial and legal matters.

How to get payslips from previous employer Australia?

Are you looking for a job?

Are you looking for a job?

Now that you know how to get payslips from your previous employer in Australia, you should take a moment to check our current vacancies page.

At 11 Recruitment, we have a range of white-collar temp and perm jobs available. We're always on the lookout for top talent to place with our clients, so we encourage you to apply for any positions that are of interest.

If none of our current vacancies are right for you, you should register for job alerts. Then we’ll be able to notify you when we receive a position that matches your profile.



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