The Australian trade union movement led the campaign to establish superannuation to provide workers with dignity in retirement. Through industrial action, bargaining and advocacy at both the Australian Conciliation and Arbitration Commission and the High Court, the union movement won the introduction of superannuation for many workers. The ACTU and affiliates were instrumental to the creation of the Accord which introduced universal and compulsory superannuation through the legislation of the Superannuation Guarantee (SG) by the Keating Labor Government.
In the 30 years since the establishment of universal, compulsory, fully vested and portable superannuation, the ACTU and affiliates remain dedicated to ensuring that all workers live and retire in dignity and out of poverty. To do so, unions remain active contributors to the superannuation system. Member-representative trustee directors, nominated by the ACTU and affiliates, ensure that members’ interests are the priority of superannuation funds and that these funds continually demonstrate industry-leading, best-practice governance, investment performance and administration.
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