SMC’s under-18s super campaign spotlights new QLD data

Yasmine Raso

Senior Journalist, Financial Newswire

23 January 2026

The Super Members Council’s (SMC’s) spotlight has turned to Queensland as part of its ongoing campaign urging the government to scrap the “outdated” law that prevents under-18 workers from earning superannuation under certain conditions.

According to its analysis, of the national combined $405 million teenagers are expected to miss out in super contributions in 2025/26, Queensland accounts for $104 million or 25.7 per cent.

This is more than New South Wales’ $98 million or 24.1 per cent, as 127,000 workers under the age of 18 based in Queensland will be shortchanged $820 each.

The SMC also confirmed a recent survey conducted by Pyxis found 73 per cent of Australians support updating the law to ensure workers of all ages are paid the super they are entitled to.

“Under-18 workers in Queensland will be shortchanged $104 million in retirement savings this year because of this outdated rule. It’s time to fix it,” SMC chief executive, Misha Schubert, said.

“The sooner you get super, the more it’ll look after you. Missing out on super before 18 can cost some young people $11,000 by retirement.”

“A fair go shouldn’t be denied until you turn 18. Let’s give young workers a better future and pay super to all under-18s.”

Currently, workers under the age of 18 are not eligible to earn superannuation unless they work more than 30 hours a week for one employer.