Question Time AU

Bill Debate · Second Reading

Treasury Laws Amendment (Payday Superannuation) Bill 2025, Superannuation Guarantee Charge Amendment Bill 2025; Second Reading

House of Representatives · Wednesday 29 October 2025

Continued from Thursday 9 October 2025.

Official Hansard for this day (APH) · Read this debate on OpenAustralia

At a glance

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.

Summary in reported speech - not a transcript. AI-generated, so check the official record before quoting.

How the debate unfolded

Continued the debate

Tim Wilson (Goldstein) (Liberal Party) Liberal

Wilson opposed the legislation, arguing that it imposed an undue burden on small businesses without sufficient lead time for implementation. Wilson claimed that Treasury had advised an 18-month transition period to prevent business collapses, noting that 22.6 per cent of businesses were already at risk of insolvency. Wilson characterised the government's approach as prioritising super fund interests over small business viability and argued that the policy contributed to broader economic instability, including inflation and high interest rates. Wilson asserted that the reform undermined economic freedom and the ability of young Australians to save for home ownership.

Government response

Shayne Neumann (Minister for Superannuation and Retirement Income) ALP Blair

Neumann supported the bill, stating it would ensure superannuation is paid on time alongside wages, benefiting millions of workers. Neumann highlighted that 3.3 million Australians were denied $5.7 billion in superannuation in 2022-23, with unpaid super disproportionately affecting young people, women, and low-income earners. Neumann explained that the reform would require employers to pay contributions within seven business days of payday, with penalties for non-compliance, and would enhance the Australian Taxation Office's ability to detect underpayments. Neumann argued that earlier payments would boost retirement savings through compound interest, potentially adding $7,700 to the average worker's balance by retirement.