he could be working for cash, 1099, etc. There are a lot of "under the table" businesses out there, and working for one leaves little to no recourse if boss man decides he's not paying.

How did he think that would be a great idea?

He will be visited by 3 ghosts

This is super illegal. They're required to pay you before in a situation like this. and I'd contact your local wage/labor office and report the situation to them. everyday a payment is late they get fined.

Soooo you didn't buy any Christmas presents or prepare for anything until right before payday?

Is that even legal?

two things: 1) Places of business do not legally have to pay you until the last weekday of the month (most places do it on the last Friday so it is guaranteed to be in your bank by the first business day of the next month), your boss is under no obligation to pay you in time for xmas, however you are correct in him being a d!ckhead for telling you so late on in the month that your pay day was changed, but 2) why on earth have you waited so late into December to buy everything? and why would you not at least save a small amount of money throughout the last few months? I save a small amount from my September/October/November wages (no I'm not on huge wages) and have pretty much everything except perishable items like vegetables etc bought and paid for by mid December

That's illegal. Contact fare work Australia. They will sort his ass out in no time at all

Pay day loan?

That's illegal. They can pay you before the pay date but not after.