Many Australian teenagers can work regular shifts without receiving compulsory employer superannuation. Under the present eligibility rule, an employee under 18 generally needs to work more than 30 hours in a week to qualify for the super guarantee.
A reform proposal costed by the Parliamentary Budget Office would remove that hours test and require super contributions for workers under 18 regardless of how many hours they work. Supporters describe this as “super on every dollar earned” and argue that small contributions made early can grow over decades.
A proposal, not a settled government announcement
The idea has gained support from superannuation groups and received in-principle attention during parliamentary scrutiny. However, the specific measure published by the Parliamentary Budget Office was an Australian Greens election commitment. It should not be described as a confirmed Albanese Government policy unless the government formally adopts and legislates it.
Separate Payday Super rules began on 1 July 2026. Those rules change when employers pay super—at the same time as wages—but do not by themselves remove the under-18 eligibility test.
Employers have raised questions about extra administration and labour costs. Supporters answer that age and short weekly hours should not prevent a worker receiving the same percentage of retirement saving as an adult colleague.