Compulsory employer superannuation in Australia began in 1992, when the Superannuation Guarantee (SG) system was introduced under the Keating government.

Key date in one line

  • Super became compulsory for most employees on 1 July 1992 with the start of the Superannuation Guarantee, initially requiring employers to contribute around 3–4% of an employee’s wages into a super fund.

Extra context (quick)

  • Before 1992, superannuation existed in Australia but mainly for public servants and certain corporate or award-based jobs, so coverage was patchy.
  • The compulsory system was brought in to build private retirement savings and reduce future pressure on the age pension as the population aged.

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