Home topics news Image Credit: Towfiqu barbhuiya News News Report unveils costly super law for young workers Yajush Gupta July 12, 2023 Industry Super Australia (ISA) has recently released a report shedding light on a legal provision that denies under-18-year-old workers the opportunity to receive super contributions. This provision, which requires young workers to meet a 30-hour per week threshold with the same employer, has been criticized for its discriminatory nature and its potential financial impact on these individuals. According to the ISA’s research, approximately 375,000 of Australia’s youngest workers are currently excluded from the country’s retirement system due to this provision, resulting in a loss of around $330 million in super contributions each year. On average, these young workers would receive an additional $885 per year in super contributions if not for this restriction. Over time, this amount could accumulate to an estimated $10,200 by the time they reach retirement age. The ISA’s Super Start to Work Report argues for the removal of the 30-hour threshold, highlighting the financial disadvantages and administrative burdens it creates for both young workers and employers. Keeping track of hours worked by under-18 employees, particularly given the prevalence of casual employment among this group, can be challenging for businesses. The quarterly payment of super also adds complexity to the process. The report reveals that the majority of under-18 workers regularly miss out on super contributions, as more than 90% of teenagers typically work less than 30 hours per week. However, it is important to