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Convicted child sex abusers will no longer be able to hide their assets inside their super to avoid paying compensation to their victims, thanks to the Federal Government passing legislative amendments.

The legislation – known as the Survivors Law Bill – allows victim-survivors of child sexual abuse to access offenders’ superannuation contributions if court-ordered compensation remains unpaid after 12 months.

The legislative changes, which were passed unanimously by the federal parliament, include:

• allowing victim-survivors to apply for a court order to access additional personal or salary sacrifice superannuation contributions made by an offender.
• allowing victim-survivors to apply to the ATO to identify any potentially eligible superannuation before seeking access.
• ensuring historical compensation orders made before the legislation’s commencement will also qualify where they remain legally enforceable.

FSU member and CBUS employee Caroline Troupe said these changes will make the system fairer and more transparent.

“I’m pleased to see this legislation go through because it truly marks a significant shift in ensuring victim-survivors of child sexual abuse – who have already gone through so much – are supported in their pursuit of justice,” said Caroline.

“These reforms add a new layer of transparency and integrity to Australia’s superannuation system, reinforcing the idea that accountability matters.

“Importantly, it sends a strong message that the interests and rights of victim-survivors must always remain at the forefront.”

It is abhorrent that super could ever be used as a haven for criminals seeking to evade justice for crimes against children. The union movement created Australia’s superannuation system, and we congratulate the Albanese Government for making these changes to strengthen it.