Australia’s superannuation system continues to shift, with new rules and emerging trends shaping how Australians save for retirement. Here are the key superannuation facts worth noting.
Key Super Changes
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The Superannuation Guarantee (SG) rate is now 12%.
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From 1 July 2026, employers will be required to pay super at the same time as salary and wages, rather than quarterly.
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This change aims to improve visibility and consistency of super contributions for employees.
Gender Gap Progress
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Catch-up concessional contributions are being used more by women than men.
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This increased uptake is helping to reduce long-standing super balance disparities.
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The SMSF gender gap narrowed by 5.5% in FY25, indicating stronger participation and outcomes for women.
Contribution Trends by Age
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Australians aged 36–40 increased their super contributions by 0.9%.
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Those aged 41–45 lifted contributions by 1.4%, despite ongoing cost-of-living pressures.
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These trends suggest growing awareness of the value of boosting super earlier.
Downsizer Contributions
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The average downsizer contribution in FY25 was $275,979.
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Women aged 55–65 accounted for 29.1% of downsizer contributions.
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By comparison, men in the same age group contributed 23.1%.
High Super Balances
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Australians aged 75–84 represent the largest group with super balances exceeding $3 million.
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This reflects longer retirement horizons and the impact of long-term investment strategies.
What This Means
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Superannuation strategies are becoming more proactive across all life stages.
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Legislative changes and contribution opportunities make it essential to stay informed.
Take the Next Step
Small decisions can have a big impact on your retirement outcomes. Speak with your financial adviser to understand how these superannuation changes and trends may apply to your personal circumstances and long-term goals.
