Super Members Council finds teens missing millions in superannuation

New modelling from the Super Members Council reveals that working teenagers in Australia are missing out on significant superannuation contributions due to current age and hour-based regulations. Under existing laws, workers under 18 are only guaranteed superannuation payments if they work more than 30 hours a week for a single employer.

The analysis indicates that Victorian teenage workers are the hardest hit, projected to miss out on approximately $115 million in superannuation this financial year. This exceeds the projected loss for New South Wales, which stands at $105 million. Nationally, the council estimates that $411 million in superannuation is withheld from under-18s annually.

Super Members Council chief executive Misha Schubert described the law as “outdated and discriminatory,” noting that 89 to 91 per cent of working teenagers work fewer than 30 hours per week. The council warns that a part-time teenager could miss out on roughly $2,500 in contributions by age 18, which could compound to $11,000 by retirement. The report also highlights a potential gender disparity, as teenage women are more likely to work part-time roles.