Superannuation Guarantee Charge Amendment Bill 2025

Stage by Stage

Summaries in reported speech - not a transcript. In date order, both chambers.

1. Thursday 9 October 2025 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading
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2. Wednesday 29 October 2025 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The debate centred on whether employers should be required to pay superannuation contributions on payday rather than quarterly. The government argued the reform would reduce unpaid superannuation, which costs workers billions annually, and improve retirement outcomes through earlier compounding. The opposition opposed the bill, citing concerns that the tight implementation timeline would burden small businesses and risk insolvencies, while also contesting the government's broader economic management. A crossbench member supported the bill's intent to protect workers but raised concerns about compliance timelines and called for further reforms to debt recovery mechanisms.

   Outcome: The debate concluded with the bill being commended to the House by the crossbench member, while the opposition maintained its opposition.

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3. Thursday 30 October 2025 · House of Representatives

   Third Reading
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4. Thursday 30 October 2025 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The debate focused on legislation requiring employers to pay superannuation contributions on payday rather than quarterly, starting 1 July 2026. Labor members argued the reform addresses systemic unpaid super, estimated at $5.2 billion in 2021-22, by aligning payments with wages and strengthening enforcement through updated guarantee charges. They emphasised that the change protects vulnerable workers, particularly the young and those in insecure jobs, from losing retirement savings and insurance coverage. The government committed to a facilitative compliance approach for the first year to assist businesses with transition. The bill was defeated in a division, with 45 votes in favour and 91 against.

   Outcome: The bill was not passed, with a division result of 45 votes in favour and 91 against.

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5. Thursday 30 October 2025 · House of Representatives

   Third Reading
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6. Monday 3 November 2025 · Senate

   First Reading
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7. Monday 3 November 2025 · Senate

   In Committee

   The Senate considered amendments to the Treasury Laws Amendment (Payday Superannuation) Bill 2025 during committee stage. Senator Nick McKim moved an amendment to prevent regulations from prescribing superannuation contributions for part-time employees under 18. Senator Katy Gallagher clarified that advertising reforms, previously in the exposure draft, would be introduced separately to commence by 1 July. The progress of the bill was reported, indicating the debate was suspended.

   Outcome: Progress was reported on the bills.

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8. Monday 3 November 2025 · Senate

   Second Reading

   The Senate debated legislation requiring employers to pay superannuation contributions simultaneously with wages, effective 1 July 2026. Labor and Greens senators supported the reforms to prevent wage theft and improve retirement security, while Coalition and One Nation senators opposed the timeline due to concerns over compliance costs and cash flow burdens on small businesses. The Greens moved amendments regarding advertising regulation and under-18 worker eligibility, whereas the Coalition had previously sought to delay commencement for small businesses. The debate concluded with the bill being commended to the Senate.

   Outcome: The bill was commended to the Senate.

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9. Tuesday 4 November 2025 · Senate

   In Committee

   The Senate considered an amendment moved by Senator McKim to the Treasury Laws Amendment (Payday Superannuation) Bill 2025, which sought to ensure that workers under 18 receive superannuation on all earnings, removing the current requirement to work more than 30 hours per week. Senator Pocock argued that the existing exclusion was unfair and discriminatory, citing that 92 per cent of young workers miss out on contributions, amounting to $368 million annually. Minister Gallagher opposed the amendment, stating that the government does not make superannuation policy changes via Senate amendments without prior consultation and that the bill's purpose was to ensure timely payment of existing entitlements. The amendment was ultimately defeated in a division.

   Outcome: The amendment was not passed, with a division result of 14 votes against and 24 votes for.

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10. Tuesday 4 November 2025 · Senate

    Third Reading
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