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Ex gratia payments: the genuine gesture that goes beyond obligation

18/04/2023 by
The Marketing Team
Ex gratia payment is a voluntary payment made by a person or organisation, without any legal obligation, as a gesture of goodwill or as a form of compensation. Keep reading this post to learn more. Manage sensitive employee matters with ease. Get a free privacy and confidentiality policy template and more here or access our Independent […]
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Ex gratia payment is a voluntary payment made by a person or organisation, without any legal obligation, as a gesture of goodwill or as a form of compensation. Keep reading this post to learn more.

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What is the meaning of ex gratia payment?

This is a type of payment is often made to employees not entitled to compensation for a particular event or circumstance, such as in cases of termination, layoffs, or natural disasters. Made to acknowledge the hardship or inconvenience the recipient faces and express a sense of empathy and support, the term "ex gratia" is derived from Latin, meaning "out of goodwill" or "from kindness".

What does ex gratia mean in Australia?

In Australia, ex gratia payments are payments made by employers to their employees as a gesture of goodwill, or compassion, or to address a specific situation. According to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), ex gratia payments are generally not considered taxable income for the employee and are not subject to income tax or superannuation guarantee obligations for the employer.

Ex gratia payments may be made in various situations, such as in the case of redundancy, where an employer may provide an additional payment to an employee who is not entitled to a redundancy payment under their award or employment contract. Similarly, an employer may make the payment to an employee who has experienced significant hardship or distress, such as following a natural disaster, injury or illness, or other difficult circumstances.

Although ex gratia payments are generally not considered taxable income, they could still be subject to other taxes, such as fringe benefits tax (FBT) or goods and services tax (GST), depending on the specifics of the payment and the situation in which it was issued.

Overall, ex gratia payments in Australia are a means for employers to demonstrate compassion and support to their employees in difficult circumstances and are generally not considered taxable income for the employee. Employers should consult the ATO or a tax professional to ensure compliance with relevant tax laws and regulations.

What is an example of ex gratia?

An example of an ex gratia payment in Australia is the Australian Government's Redress Scheme for survivors of institutional child sexual abuse. This scheme was established in 2018 to provide monetary compensation, psychological counselling, and other forms of support to survivors of institutional child sexual abuse in Australia.

Under the scheme, survivors who are eligible and choose to participate are offered a monetary payment, as well as access to psychological counselling and a direct personal response from the institution responsible for the abuse. The payment is made ex gratia, meaning that it is a voluntary payment made by the institution, without any legal obligation to do so.

Another example of an ex gratia payment in Australia is the Victorian Government's Bushfire Support Fund, established in response to the devastating bushfires that swept through the state in 2020. The fund provides financial support to individuals and communities affected by the bushfires, including payments to cover the cost of urgent needs, such as clothing, food, and accommodation.

Ex gratia payments can also be made by employers to employees, as discussed in the previous question. For example, an employer may make the payment to an employee who has experienced significant hardship or distress, such as following a natural disaster or other difficult circumstances. The payment is made voluntarily, without any legal obligation, as a gesture of goodwill and support.

Is an ex gratia payment an ETP?

An ex gratia payment is not always considered an Employment Termination Payment (ETP) in Australia. Whether an ex gratia payment is classified as an ETP depends on the circumstances of the payment. Generally, ex gratia payments made upon termination of employment are treated as ETPs, but those made during employment may not be classified as such. ETPs are subject to different tax treatment than regular income, so it is important to determine whether an ex gratia payment is classified as an ETP for tax purposes. Employers and employees should seek guidance from the Australian Taxation Office or a tax professional to ensure compliance with relevant tax laws and regulations.

How to calculate the payment?

The calculation depends on the specific circumstances under which the payment is being made. Ex gratia payments are typically made as a form of compensation or settlement, and the amount of the payment may be negotiated between the parties involved. In some cases, the amount of the ex gratia payment may be based on factors such as the severity of the harm or loss suffered by the recipient, the financial resources of the party making the payment, or other relevant considerations. Employers and individuals making ex gratia payments should seek guidance from legal or financial professionals to ensure the payment is appropriate and compliant with relevant laws and regulations.

FAQs on ex gratia payments

This FAQ section provides a clear understanding of voluntary payments made to address claims or sensitive matters without legal obligation. Learn about application requirements, the role of government treasury guidelines, and how deeds of release may help reduce future liability.

What is an ex gratia payment?

This type of payment is made by a government or business as a goodwill gesture, not because of a legal or contractual requirement. It does not admit liability or set any legal obligation, but rather shows a desire to address the matter without litigation.

Can a payment limit liability?

Yes, you may reduce liability by offering compensation without admission of liability. When an ex gratia payment is made, the employee or claimant may be asked to sign a deed of release, which can limit future claims on the same matter.

How does the application process work?

To apply a claimant usually needs to provide evidence related to the matter. Each application may have specific requirements, which often include documentation that demonstrates the need for compensation. In Queensland, treasury guidelines inform how government ex gratia applications are managed.

Is an ex gratia payment legally required?

An ex gratia payment is not legally required. It’s a voluntary payment made without any admission of liability or requirement under statutory or contractual law. It is often used to maintain goodwill or to address a sensitive matter without legal proceedings.

Do they require a deed of release?

In many cases, an ex gratia payment requires the claimant to sign a deed of release. This deed limits the claimant's right to pursue further claims in relation to the matter. Signing a deed helps both parties by potentially reducing the risk of future disputes.

Can government departments give ex gratia payments?

Yes, government departments can give ex gratia payments in specific circumstances. The process may vary based on the area and department, with some requirements set by treasury or sector regulations. Each application for an ex gratia payment is taken into account based on the evidence provided.

What is the role of treasury?

Treasury often sets the standards and requirements for ex gratia payments within government departments. Treasury’s guidelines help ensure the government policy and revenue standards are followed, helping departments maintain proper financial processes.

When might an employee receive?

An employee could be made to address an issue not covered by contractual entitlements and are often made in relation to matters like redundancy or staff morale, where the payment is made as a goodwill gesture rather than a legal requirement.

In summary, voluntary payments can be a practical solution for addressing sensitive matters without the need for legal proceedings or admission of liability. When making these payments, it’s essential to consider documentation requirements, including any deeds of release, to manage liability and maintain clarity. Whether made by government departments or private organisations, these payments provide flexibility in resolving issues while upholding goodwill and minimising potential future claims.

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