Superannuation Legislation Amendment (Tackling the Gender Super Gap) Bill 2025

Stage by Stage

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

1. Thursday 4 September 2025 · Senate

   First Reading
   See who spoke

2. Thursday 4 September 2025 · Senate

   Second Reading

   The debate focused on a bill allowing spouses to voluntarily split their superannuation balances to address the gender super gap. Senator Jane Hume argued that the measure recognises unpaid caregiving contributions and provides a voluntary mechanism for couples to equalise retirement savings. She outlined specific integrity safeguards, including tax neutrality and limits on transfer amounts, to protect the superannuation system. The debate was adjourned with leave granted for the senator to continue her remarks later.

   Outcome: Debate adjourned with leave granted for the senator to continue remarks later.

   Read the full summary

3. Wednesday 5 November 2025 · Senate

   Second Reading

   The Senate debated a private member's bill allowing couples to voluntarily split superannuation balances to address the gender super gap. Liberal and National senators supported the measure as a voluntary tool for families to manage retirement savings and recognise unpaid care work. Labor and Greens senators opposed it, arguing it primarily benefited wealthy couples through tax minimisation and failed to address structural drivers like the pay gap or support single women. The debate was interrupted before a vote was recorded.

   Outcome: The debate was interrupted before a final result was recorded.

   Read the full summary

4. Wednesday 13 May 2026 · Senate

   Second Reading

   Liberal senators debated the Superannuation Legislation Amendment (Tackling the Gender Super Gap) Bill 2025, introduced by Senator Jane Hume. All speakers supported the bill, arguing it provides a voluntary mechanism for couples to equalise superannuation balances during their relationship, addressing the gender super gap caused by career breaks and caring responsibilities. They highlighted that women retire with significantly less super than men, with gaps reaching nearly 48 per cent for older cohorts, contributing to homelessness among women over 55. The speakers contrasted the bill's flexibility with government policies, criticising the recent budget and arguing that superannuation belongs to individuals rather than the state. No amendments were moved, and the debate concluded with strong bipartisan support for the principle of balance splitting.

   Read the full summary

5. Wednesday 24 June 2026 · Senate

   Second Reading

   The Senate debated a private senator's bill allowing couples to transfer superannuation balances to equalise their accounts, aiming to address the gender super gap. Liberal and National senators supported the measure as a fair mechanism for families where one partner has taken time out for caregiving, while One Nation also endorsed it. Labor senators opposed the bill, arguing it primarily benefited high-wealth individuals through tax planning rather than assisting vulnerable women, and highlighted government reforms such as superannuation on paid parental leave. The bill was defeated in a division.

   Outcome: The bill was not passed, with 27 senators voting against and 34 voting for.

   Read the full summary