ACTU statement on Stephen Jones’ retirement from federal politics

The ACTU commends the outgoing Assistant Treasurer on a career dedicated to improving the working and retirement lives of Australians.

Since his election in 2010, Stephen Jones has delivered monumental improvements to the lives of working Australians.

Prior to his election to federal parliament, Stephen Jones advocated for the interests of working people as the National Secretary of the Community and Public Sector Union.

During his time as Assistant Treasurer in the Albanese Labor Government, Minister Jones, alongside the Treasurer, Jim Chalmers delivered reforms which will benefit working people for generations to come, including:

• the introduction of the payment of superannuation on Commonwealth Paid Parental Leave to reduce the gender super gap and ensure that parents are not punished in retirement
• enshrining the objective of superannuation in legislation to protect and advance the retirement income of all Australians
• commencing the development of payday superannuation to ensure that workers have visibility over their money and receive the superannuation they’re legally entitled to
• ensuring the superannuation guarantee finally reached 12 per cent after being under threat from the Liberals
• commencing the process of improving the superannuation performance test to ensure it is fit for purpose and delivering for members
• announcing the introduction of mandatory minimum service standards for superannuation funds to ensure that all members receive the quality of service they deserve.

Quotes attributable to ACTU Assistant Secretary, Joseph Mitchell:

“The country, and working people, are better off because of Stephen Jones’ lifelong commitment to creating a fairer economic system.

“Stephen Jones has always been a strong advocate for working people. His work as Assistant Treasurer has improved both the working and retirement outcomes of all Australians.

“We thank Stephen for his service to working people and wish him all the best in his future endeavors.”