Superannuation can be confusing. But don't worry, we've got you covered.
Superannuation is an entitlement that was won by the union movement campaigning for an entitlement for workers to be paid an additional amount on top of their pay to be put aside for a dignified retirement.
The following information is general advice based on minimum standards derived from the National Employment Standards and Awards in the manufacturing industry. Some of the information may vary depending on agreements negotiated in your workplace. If you’re not sure about your individual circumstances, contact the AMWU Help Desk on 1300 732 698.
1. How do I know if my Super is being paid?
Payments of superannuation must be included on employee payslips. Check your payslip to see how much super you're being paid and where your employer is paying your super.
2. What is the minimum rate of superannuation I can be paid?
Under the Superannuation Guarantee (Administration) Act 1992, employers have to contribute a minimum amount to an employee's superannuation.
The rates for the Superannuation Guarantee are to increase transitionally as below:
|
Period |
General super guarantee (%) |
Super guarantee (%) for Norfolk Island (transitional rate) (from 1 July 2016) |
|---|---|---|
|
1 July 2002 – 30 June 2013 |
9 |
0 |
|
1 July 2013 – 30 June 2014 |
9.25 |
0 |
|
1 July 2014 – 30 June 2015 |
9.5 |
0 |
|
1 July 2015 – 30 June 2016 |
9.5 |
0 |
|
1 July 2016 – 30 June 2017 |
9.5 |
1 |
|
1 July 2017 – 30 June 2018 |
9.5 |
2 |
|
1 July 2018 – 30 June 2019 |
9.5 |
3 |
|
1 July 2019 – 30 June 2020 |
9.5 |
4 |
|
1 July 2020 – 30 June 2021 |
9.5 |
5 |
|
1 July 2021 – 30 June 2022 |
10 |
6 |
|
1 July 2022 – 30 June 2023 |
10.5 |
7 |
|
1 July 2023 – 30 June 2024 |
11 |
8 |
|
1 July 2024 – 30 June 2025 |
11.5 |
9 |
|
1 July 2025 – 30 June 2026 |
12 |
10 |
|
1 July 2026 – 30 June 2027 |
12 |
11 |
|
1 July 2027 – 30 June 2028 and onwards |
12 |
12 |
But, in some circumstances, some employees may be exempt from paying and receiving superannuation.
These could include:
· employees paid less than $450 in a calendar month
· employees under 18 years working 30 hours or less per week
· employees paid for work done outside Australia
· foreign executives with an appropriate visa or entry permit
· employees paid to do work of a domestic or private nature for not more than 30 hours per week, e.g. nanny, housekeeper.
3. When should I be paid super?
Employers must pay Superannuation Guarantee contributions on behalf of employees at least every quarter.
The payment due dates are as follows:
· For the period: 1 July - 30 September, payment is due by: 28 October
· For the period: 1 October - 31 December, payment is due by: 28 January
· For the period: 1 January - 31 March, payment is due by: 28 April
· For the period: 1 April - 30 June, payment is due by: 28 July
4. Can I choose my Super fund?
If you do have a choice, your employer should have given you a 'standard choice form' when you start work. The form sets out your options for choosing a super fund. You can select your own or go with your employer's fund.
If you were not given a ‘standard choice form’, and you want to choose your fund, ask your employer to give you one.
If your employer refuses to give you a ‘standard choice form’ or refuses to accept your choice of fund form from your chosen super fund, contact the Help Desk on 1300 732 698 to see if it can be challenged. Make sure you have the employer’s reason for refusing your choice when you call the Help Desk.
To find out more information about choosing your own Super fund, see the Australian Taxation Office's (ATO's) information on choosing a super fund.
5. What should I do if I’m not being paid my super?
Call our HelpDesk on 1300 732 698.
