Vice-chancellor Alex Zelinsky informed staff on Wednesday that a review conducted with support from Deloitte earlier this year found 6316 people were affected through payments made between July 2009 and October 2018. 

Dr Zelinsky apologised to all staff, confirming they would not pursue any overpayments and would add interest as they made those who missed out entitlements whole. 

“As well as paying amounts in arrears, we will pay interest to compensate affected staff. We will not seek to recover net overpaid contributions,” Dr Zelinsky said in a message to staff. 

“Provision for the remediation costs – approximately $13.37 million – has been included in the university’s 2018 accounts.”

The university is making a public appeal for any former staff who believe they may be affected to register at newcastle.edu.au/superannuation-review. 

In July former vice-chancellor Caroline McMillen said the investigation began after failures in the payroll system were uncovered through internal processes. 

At the time, the National Tertiary Education Union’s Newcastle branch said it was pleased the university was taking steps to correct superannuation shortfalls.  

Last April the University of Wollongong revealed in April 2017 that it would repay $10 million in unpaid entitlements, interest owed and potential penalties after discovering longstanding failures in its payroll system.

A superannuation remediation line is available to answer questions between 9am and 4pm weekdays on 4921 5599 or via super.remediation@newcastle.edu.au.