Australia's 30-hour superannuation rule excludes most teens from retirement savings, worsening the gender gap.

A long-standing Australian law excludes most under-18 workers from mandatory superannuation unless they work over 30 hours a week, disproportionately affecting teenage girls who are more likely to work part-time in retail and community services. Despite making up 55% of under-18 workers, girls represent only 35% of those receiving super due to the hours threshold. Advocates say removing the rule could extend coverage to half a million young workers, potentially adding nearly $2,500 by age 18 and $11,000 more by retirement through compound interest. Young workers like Jessica Dawson, who began working at 15 without super, highlight the lack of awareness and fairness in the current system. While the government has introduced other reforms, including payday super starting in 2026, the Super Members Council urges immediate action to eliminate the 30-hour rule to close the gender gap in retirement savings from the start of a young person’s career.