What was debated in Parliament
Summarised using AI from the official Hansard transcript of the debate only. It is not a record of the debate and may leave things out. Read the Hansard below to check it.
This bill lets employers find a new worker's existing super fund earlier when they start a job, and bans most super advertising during job onboarding, with some exceptions. It also gives tax breaks for hosting the Rugby World Cups, enacts a tax treaty with Portugal, lists charities for tax-deductible donations and raises the wine tax rebate cap to $400,000. Debate focused on whether the advertising ban helps or limits choice, and on charity status for Equality Australia.
Arguments made in support
Government members said showing workers their existing fund at the start of a job reduces duplicate accounts and the extra fees and insurance they bring.
Labor speakers said a review found some onboarding software steered new workers into advertised funds linked to the provider, which the ban will stop.
Government members said workers can still choose any fund, and approved MySuper products that pass the performance test can still be shown.
The Greens supported the bill and the advertising limits, and backed charity status for Equality Australia.
Most speakers, including the Coalition, supported the Rugby World Cup exemptions, the Portugal treaty and the higher wine rebate cap.
Arguments made against, or for changes
Coalition speakers said the advertising ban limits choice and competition, and argued it favours industry super funds.
Coalition senators cited evidence that the tax office finds existing funds only 55 to 80 per cent of the time, which could leave workers seeing only the default fund.
Independent Allegra Spender said advertising helps new funds compete, and asked for a review of the impact of super rules on competition.
Coalition and One Nation senators moved to remove Equality Australia's listing, noting it had been refused public benevolent institution status by the regulator and courts.
Coalition members said unrelated measures were bundled together; the Greens unsuccessfully moved to widen charity rules for animal welfare and remove status for groups supporting illegal occupations.
118 speeches by 54 members in the House and Senate over 7 sitting days.
Hansard: House of Representatives, 26 Nov 2025 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: House of Representatives, 11 Feb 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: House of Representatives, 12 Feb 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: House of Representatives, 2 Mar 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: Senate, 3 Mar 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: Senate, 11 Mar 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: Senate, 23 Mar 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Australia's Voice
1 Yes
0 No
The last column counts members who did not vote. Party counts are for current members.
2 votes were cast by people who have since left Parliament.
Every party member who voted went with the majority of their party.