Policy and advocacy

We advocate for an equitable and sustainable superannuation system.

AustralianSuper seeks to advocate for sustainable and equitable public policy in superannuation and financial services. To this end, we engage in advocacy, liaison and write public submissions to government and regulators, such as APRA, ASIC and the ATO. We also work with industry associations, such as the Super Members Council of Australia and the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia, and many other peak bodies and groups.

Fairer taxes on super for low-income earners

When the government introduced compulsory superannuation in 1992, the deal at the heart of superannuation was simple: if you save for retirement, you will pay less tax on that money than on your wages.

It’s one of the reasons Australia has a world-class superannuation system.

But for low-income earners, the deal hasn’t always worked. As they pay little or no income tax, many low-income workers end up paying a similar – or even greater – rate of tax on their super than the rate they pay on their wages. That’s not fair.

That’s why the government introduced the Low-Income Superannuation Tax Offset (LISTO) – a rebate on their superannuation tax designed so that low-income earners get a tax concession for saving into super like everyone else does.

But the LISTO hasn’t changed since 2017, while tax brackets have shifted and the Superannuation Guarantee rate has increased over time.

That’s why the Treasurer has announced vital reforms to LISTO, aiming to boost the super savings of 1.3 million low-paid workers, mostly women1.

AustralianSuper supports the government’s proposed reforms to:

  • increase the income threshold so people earning up to $45,000 are eligible for the LISTO, and
  • increase the LISTO cap from $500 to $810 to fully offset the Superannuation Guarantee contributions.

These reforms are vital to make sure the central deal of superannuation works for all Australians.


Why does the government need to fix LISTO?

  1. The Treasury, Media release: Reforms to support low-income workers and build a stronger super system. 13 October 2025.

I'd like to know more about...

  1. Member Outcomes Assessment

  2. Retirement Income Strategy

  3. ABN, SPIN, SFN, USI details for employers
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