The Origins of the Australian System of Superannuation
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PLEASE TYPE THE UNIVERSITY OF NEW SOUTH WALES Thesis/Dissertation Sheet Surname or Family name: Easson First name: Mary Other namejs: Louise Abbreviation for degree as given in the University calendar: M.Phil School: Australian School of Business Centre for Pensions and Superannuation Title: Present at the Creation: The Origins of the Australian System of Superannuation Abstract 350 words maximum: (PLEASE TYPE} The thesis explores the origins and development of the Australian system of superannuation, from 1983 to the mid-1990s, during the terms of the Hawke and Keating Labor Governments, and the Accords between those governments and the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU), on behalf of the Australian union movement. Prior to 1983, access to superannuation was largely confined to male managerial and professional employees and was further limited in terms of eligibility, vesting and portability. In the 1970s unions began to exploit limited power in particular enterprises and industries to pursue superannuation as deferred income. The three tier Australian system evolves from this start: (i) mandatory contributions under legislation; (ii) employee supplements to retirement savings; and, (iii) a social security safety net, the universal age pension entitlement. Relentlessly pursued by the unions, generalled by ACTU Secretary Bill Kelty, from Accord Mark J in 1983, and its subsequent iterations, superannuation became an industrial right. lt may never have occurred but for the leadership of Prime Minister Bob Hawke and particularly his Treasurer, later Prime Minister, Paul Keating. The circumstances of the origin of Australia's system of compulsory superannuation were unique. A question explored and answered in the thesis is whether its origins and development were deliberate or largely accidental. The development of superannuation savings as a means of curtailing direct inflation through wages growth is also evaluated. Declaration relating to disposition of project thesis/dissertation I hereby grant to the University of New South Wales or its agents the right to archive and to make available my thesis or dissertation in whole or in part in the University libraries in all forms of media, now or here after known, subject to the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968. I retain all property rights, such as patent rights. I also retain the right to use in future works (such as articles or books) all or part of this thesis or dissertation. 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Present at the Creation: The Origins of the Australian System of Superannuation – Mary Easson A Thesis for a Master of Philosophy 1 For Michael, Louise and Amanda who, when the need was greatest, proved inspiring. 2 “Thoughts are but dreams till their effects are tried.” - William Shakespeare - The Rape of Lucrece 3 Abstract: The thesis explores the origins and development of the Australian system of superannuation, from 1983 to the mid-1990s, during the terms of the Hawke and Keating Labor Governments, and the Accords between those governments and the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU), on behalf of the Australian union movement. Prior to 1983, access to superannuation was largely confined to male managerial and professional employees and was further limited in terms of eligibility, vesting and portability. In the 1970s unions began to exploit limited power in particular enterprises and industries to pursue superannuation as deferred income. The three tier Australian system evolves from this start: (i) mandatory contributions under legislation; (ii) employee supplements to retirement savings; and, (iii) a social security safety net, the universal age pension entitlement. Relentlessly pursued by the unions, generalled by ACTU Secretary Bill Kelty, from Accord Mark I in 1983, and its subsequent iterations, superannuation became an industrial right. It may never have occurred but for the leadership of Prime Minister Bob Hawke and particularly his Treasurer, later Prime Minister, Paul Keating. The circumstances of the origin of Australia’s system of compulsory superannuation were unique. A question explored and answered in the thesis is whether its origins and development were deliberate or largely accidental. The development of superannuation savings as a means of curtailing direct inflation through wages growth is also evaluated. 4 Contents Synopsis: ............................................................................................................................................................ 4 Abbreviations .................................................................................................................................................. 6 Foreword ........................................................................................................................................................... 8 1. Introduction: Filling The Gap .......................................................................................................... 10 2. The Significance of ‘The Accord’ for Superannuation ........................................................... 33 3. The Building Industry Breakthrough .......................................................................................... 75 4. Industry Super on a National Footing ......................................................................................... 97 5. Legislating for Permanency .......................................................................................................... 121 6. Implications and Areas for Future Research ......................................................................... 137 7. Conclusion ........................................................................................................................................... 161 Appendix 1: Interviews.......................................................................................................................... 170 Appendix 2: Major Industry and Public Sector Superannuation Funds ............................. 171 Appendix 3: Biographies of Key Persons Mentioned in the Thesis ...................................... 174 Appendix 4: Questions of Interviewees........................................................................................... 191 References ................................................................................................................................................... 192 5 Abbreviations ABLF Australian Builders’ Labourers’ Federation