Dear friends,

Today the Assistant Treasurer Bill Shorten announced in Parliament that the age bar for superannuation guarantee contributions would be lifted completely.

Previously the Government had decided to lift the bar to 75 years.

As a result of representations, including those from seniors bodies and myself as the Age Discrimination Commissioner the bar is to go completely.

From July 1 2013, all employees regardless of age will receive the superannuation guarantee.

As Age Discrimination Commissioner, I welcome this decision. I know from the letters and representations I have received advocating removal of the age bar, that this is an important issue in the community and the change will be welcomed widely.

It sends a strong and positive message to older employees and to their employers that age should be no barrier to equal employee rights.

This decision means that in respect of superannuation, older workers, be they over 75 or over 80, will have the same rights as all other employees.

They will have more super to retire on, the Government will have a lower Age Pension bill, and productivity will grow as older workers are encouraged to continue in their jobs.

Best wishes,

Susan Ryan

The Hon Susan Ryan AO

Age Discrimination Commissioner

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