{"id":"superannuation-portability-act-1989","name":"Superannuation (Portability) Act 1989","slug":"superannuation-portability-act-1989","collection":"act","jurisdiction":"vic","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":173491,"registerId":"vic-superannuation-portability-act-1989-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-05","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"1","sectionType":"section","heading":"Superannuation (Portability) Act 1989","content":"Version No. 064\n\n**Superannuation (Portability) Act 1989**\n\n**No. 14 of 1989**\n\nVersion incorporating amendments as at  \n30 June 2014\n\n**table of provisions**\n\n*Section Page*\n\n1 Purpose 1\n\n2 Commencement 1\n\n3 Definitions 1\n\n4 Application of Act 10\n\n5 Entitlement to deferred retirement benefit 10\n\n6 Amount of deferred retirement benefit 12\n\n7 Provisions relating to payment of benefits 16\n\n7A Payment of benefits subject to specified standards and other provisions 18\n\n8 Medical classification 19\n\n9 Option relating to certain members 19\n\n9AA Obligation on administrators 21\n\n9AB Reduction of deferred retirement benefit or transfer amount 24\n\n9AC Administrators may provide additional information 25\n\n9AD Charging of fees 25\n\n9A Surcharge payments 26\n\n10 Settlement of disputes 26\n\n11 Regulations 27\n\n12 Repeal 28\n\nENDNOTES 29\n\n1. General Information 29\n\n2. Table of Amendments 30\n\n3. Explanatory Details 34\n\n**Version No.** **064**\n\n**Superannuation (Portability) Act 1989**\n\n**No. 14 of 1989**\n\nVersion incorporating amendments as at  \n30 June 2014\n\n**The Parliament of Victoria enacts as follows:**\n\n\t1 Purpose\n\nThe purpose of this Act is to provide a more comprehensive system of portability of superannuation within the public sector.\n\n\t2 Commencement\n\nThis Act comes into operation on the day on which it receives Royal Assent.\n\n\t3 Definitions\n\n(1) In this Act—\n\nS. 3(1) def. of *actuary* inserted by No. 120/1994 s. 66(1)(a).\n\n***actuary*** means a fellow or accredited member of the Institute of Actuaries of Australia approved by the Minister;\n\n***administrators*** means the administrators of a statutory superannuation scheme;\n\nS. 3(1) def. of *child* inserted by No. 27/2001 s. 5(Sch. 3 item 6.1(a)).\n\n***child*** in relation to a deceased member or former member means a child of the person or the person's partner other than any child born more than 10 months after the person's death who is—\n\n(a) under 18 years of age; or\n\n(b) between the age of 18 and 25 years and in the opinion of the administrators is a full-time student;\n\nS. 3(1) def. of *complying super-annuation fund* inserted by No. 4/1996 s. 120.\n\n***complying superannuation fund*** means a superannuation entity or a superannuation fund within the meaning of section 10 of the Commonwealth Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act 1993 which is a complying superannuation fund or a complying approved deposit fund within the meaning of Part IX of the Commonwealth Income Tax Assessment Act 1936;\n\nS. 3(1) def. of *dependant* amended by No. 27/2001 s. 5(Sch. 3 item 6.1(b)).\n\n***dependant*** means in relation to a deceased member or former member—\n\n(a) the partner or any child of the member or former member; or\n\n(b) any other person who in the opinion of the administrators was at the date of death of the member or former member wholly or partially dependent on the member or former member or who at that date had a legal right to look to the member or former member for financial support;\n\nS. 3(1) def. of *disability* substituted by No. 120/1994 s. 68.\n\n***disability***, in relation to a member, means the permanent inability of the member before the age of 60 years due to a continuing or recurring injury, disease or infirmity—\n\ns. 3\n\n(a) to perform his or her duties; and\n\n(b) to perform any other duties for which he or she is suited by education, training or experience or for which he or she would be suited as a result of retraining—\n\nas determined by the Board on the basis of reports provided by at least 2 registered medical practitioners appointed by the Board;\n\nS. 3(1) def. of *domestic partner* inserted by No. 27/2001 s. 5(Sch. 3 item 6.1(a)), substituted by No. 12/2008 s. 73(1)(Sch. 1 item 59.1), amended by No. 4/2009 s. 37(Sch. 1 item 24.1).\n\n***domestic partner*** of a person  means—\n\n(a) a person who is, or was at the time of the person's death, in a registered domestic relationship with the person; or\n\n(b) a person to whom the person is not married but with whom, in the opinion of the administrators, the person is, or was at the time of the person's death, living as a couple on a genuine domestic basis (irrespective of gender);\n\nS. 3(1) def. of *government actuary* repealed by No. 120/1994 s. 66(1)(b).\n\n* * * * *\n\nS. 3(1) def. of *member* amended by No. 120/1994 s. 67(a).\n\n***member*** means a member of a statutory superannuation scheme however designated in or for the purposes of the statutory superannuation scheme;\n\ns. 3\n\nS. 3(1) def. of *Order in Council* amended by No. 46/1998 s. 7(Sch. 1).\n\n***Order in Council*** means an Order in Council made by the Governor in Council on the recommendation of the Minister and published in the Government Gazette;\n\nS. 3(1) def. of *partner* inserted by No. 27/2001 s. 5(Sch. 3 item 6.1(a)), substituted by No. 40/2010 s. 97(1).\n\n***partner*** of a person means the person's spouse or domestic partner;\n\nS. 3(1) def. of *public authority* amended by Nos 46/1998 s. 7(Sch. 1), 108/2004 s. 117(1) (Sch. 3 item 192).\n\n***public authority*** means any office, body, authority or Department within the meaning of the **Public Administration Act 2004** declared by Order in Council to be a public authority for the purposes of this Act;\n\nS. 3(1) def. of *retirement benefit* amended by No. 13/1999 s. 15(1).\n\n***retirement benefit*** means an annual, monthly or other periodical payment, a lump sum payment or any other entitlement to which under the terms of a superannuation scheme a member will become entitled at or after the minimum retirement age under that superannuation scheme;\n\ns. 3\n\nS. 3(1) def. of *spouse* substituted by Nos 120/1994 s. 67(b), 27/2001 s. 5(Sch. 3 item 6.1(c)), amended by No. 38/2009 s. 35(1).\n\n***spouse*** of a person (except in sections 9AA to 9AD) means a person to whom the person is, or was at the time of the person's death, married;\n\n***statutory superannuation scheme*** means a superannuation scheme declared by Order in Council to be a statutory superannuation scheme for the purposes of this Act;\n\n***superannuation scheme*** means a scheme one of the purposes of which is to provide retirement benefits;\n\nS. 3(1) def. of *super-annuation system* inserted by No. 37/2007 s. 43.\n\n***superannuation system*** has the same meaning as it has in regulation 5.01(1) of the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Regulations 1994 of the Commonwealth;\n\n***terms***, in relation to a statutory superannuation scheme, means the rules and provisions of the statutory superannuation scheme.\n\n(2) In this Act—\n\nS. 3(2) def. of *A* substituted by Nos 110/1993 s. 148(1)(a), 120/1994 s. 69(a), 44/2014 s. 33(Sch. item 28(1)).\n\n***A*** is the consumer price index for the reference period last published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics before the quarter in which the pension or lump sum becomes payable;\n\nS. 3(2) def. of *B* substituted by No. 44/2014 s. 33(Sch. item 28(1)).\n\n***B*** is the consumer price index for the reference period last published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics before the quarter in which the member resigned;\n\n***C*** means the contribution factor in accordance with the following Table with values for intermediate ages being calculated to the lower 0.01:\n\ns. 3\n\n**TABLE**\n\n| *Age* | *Factor* |\n| --- | --- |\n| 50 | 1.00 |\n| 45 | .90 |\n| 40 | .80 |\n| 35 | .70 |\n| 30 or less | .60 |\n\n\n***CC*** represents the lump sum factor specified in Schedule 1 of the **State Superannuation Act 1988** with respect to age 60 or the later age in completed years and months at which the person changes employment;\n\n***CR*** represents the lump sum factor specified in Schedule 1 of the **State Superannuation Act 1988** with respect to the age in completed years and months at which the person retires;\n\nS. 3(2) def. of *consumer price index number* substituted by Nos 110/1993 s. 148(1)(b), 120/1994 s. 69(b), substituted as *consumer price index* by No. 44/2014 s. 33(Sch. item 28(2)).\n\n***consumer price index*** means the all groups consumer price index for all capital cities in original terms  published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics;\n\n***K*** = ![]()\n\n***X*** is the member's age in whole months on the date on which he or she joined the superannuation scheme;\n\n***Y*** is equal to 720 or the member's age in whole months on the date on which he or she resigns whichever is the lesser.\n\n(3) The value of ***X*** must be adjusted to allow for any prior service recognised by the administrators.\n\nS. 3(4) inserted by No. 70/2003 s. 33.\n\n(4) In this Act—\n\ns. 3\n\n***approved deposit fund*** has the meaning given by section 10(1) of the Commonwealth Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act 1993;\n\n***eligible rollover fund*** means a fund within the meaning of section 242 of the Commonwealth Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act 1993;\n\n***eligible superannuation plan*** means—\n\n(a) a regulated superannuation fund; or\n\n(b) an approved deposit fund; or\n\n(c) an exempt public sector superannuation scheme; or\n\n(d) an RSA;\n\n***exempt public sector superannuation scheme*** means a public sector superannuation scheme within the meaning of section 10(1) of the Commonwealth Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act 1993;\n\n***flag lifting agreement*** has the meaning given by section 90MN of the Commonwealth Family Law Act 1975;\n\n***flagging order*** means an order mentioned in section 90MU(1) of the Commonwealth Family Law Act 1975;\n\n***interest*** has the meaning given by section 90MD of the Commonwealth Family Law Act 1975;\n\n***member spouse***, in relation to a superannuation interest, means the spouse who has the superannuation interest;\n\n***non-member spouse***, in relation to a superannuation interest, means the spouse who is not the member spouse in relation to that interest;\n\ns. 3\n\n***payment flag*** has the meaning given by section 90MD of the Commonwealth Family Law Act 1975;\n\n***regulated superannuation fund*** means a superannuation fund which complies with section 19 of the Commonwealth Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act 1993;\n\n***relevant condition of release*** means, a condition of release mentioned in item 101, 102, 103 or 106 of Schedule 1 to the Commonwealth Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Regulations 1994;\n\n***reversionary interest*** has the meaning given by section 90MF of the Commonwealth Family Law Act 1975;\n\n***RSA*** means a retirement savings account within the meaning of the Commonwealth Retirement Savings Accounts Act 1997;\n\n***specified period*** means the period which is specified to be the specified period in the specified standards;\n\n***splitting order*** means an order mentioned in section 90MT of the Commonwealth Family Law Act 1975;\n\nS. 3(4) def. of *spouse* inserted by No. 38/2009 s. 35(2)(a).\n\n***spouse***, in sections 9AA to 9AD, has the meaning given by section 90MD of the Commonwealth Family Law Act 1975;\n\ns. 3\n\nS. 3(4) def. of *super-annuation agreement* amended by No. 38/2009 s. 35(2)(b).\n\n***superannuation agreement*** has the meaning given by section 90MD of the Commonwealth Family Law Act 1975;\n\n***superannuation fund*** has the same meaning as in the Commonwealth Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act 1993;\n\n***superannuation interest*** means an interest that a person has in the statutory superannuation fund, but does not include a reversionary interest;\n\n***unsplittable interest*** has the meaning given by section 90MD of the Commonwealth Family Law Act 1975;\n\n***value at a particular time of the non-member spouse's entitlement in respect of the superannuation interest*** means the value as determined in accordance with regulation 14G(8) of the Commonwealth Family Law (Superannuation) Regulations 2001;\n\n***value of the member spouse's interest in the statutory superannuation fund*** means the value as determined in accordance with Part 5 of the Commonwealth Family Law (Superannuation) Regulations 2001.\n\nS. 3(5) inserted by No. 70/2003 s. 33.\n\n(5) A reference to the transfer of an amount is to be construed as including a reference to the rollover of an amount.\n\nS. 3(4) inserted by No. 27/2001 s. 5(Sch. 3 item 6.2), substituted as s. 3(6) by No. 12/2008 s. 73(1)(Sch. 1 item 59.2).\n\n(6) For the  purposes of the definition of ***domestic partner*** in subsection  (1)—\n\ns. 3\n\nS. 3(6)(a) amended by No. 4/2009 s. 37(Sch. 1 item 24.2(a)).\n\n(a) ***registered domestic relationship*** has the same meaning as in the **Relationships Act 2008**; and\n\nS. 3(6)(b) amended by No. 4/2009 s. 37(Sch. 1 item 24.2(b)).\n\n(b) in determining whether persons who are not or were not in a registered domestic relationship are or were domestic partners of each other, all the circumstances of their relationship are to be taken into account, including any one or more of the matters referred to in section 35(2) of the **Relationships Act 2008** as may be relevant in a particular case.\n\nS. 3(7) inserted by No. 40/2010 s. 97(2).\n\n(7) The definition of ***partner*** as substituted by section 97(1) of the **Superannuation Legislation Amendment Act 2010** applies in respect of the determination by the Board of an entitlement arising under this or any other Superannuation Act within the meaning of section 3(1) of the **Emergency Services Superannuation Act 1986** on or after the commencement of the substituting section.\n\n\t4 Application of Act\n\ns. 4\n\nDespite anything in the **State Superannuation Act 1988** or any other Act, a statutory superannuation scheme is to be read and construed in accordance with this Act as from the day it becomes a statutory superannuation scheme.\n\n\t5 Entitlement to deferred retirement benefit\n\n(1) A member of a statutory superannuation scheme who changes employment in order to accept employment—\n\n(a) in respect of which he or she will be a member of another statutory superannuation scheme; or\n\nS. 5(1)(b) amended by No. 54/1993 s. 13.\n\n(b) with a public authority; or\n\nS. 5(1)(c) inserted by No. 54/1993 s. 13.\n\n(c) with an employer declared by Order of the Governor in Council to be an approved employer for the purposes of this section—\n\nis entitled on application to the administrators to either the benefit provided under the terms of the statutory superannuation scheme of which he or she is a member upon the change of employment or a deferred retirement benefit under this Act.\n\nS. 5(2) amended by No. 13/1999 s. 15(2)(a).\n\n(2) A deferred retirement benefit under this Act becomes payable at whichever of the following first occurs—\n\nS. 5(2)(a) substituted by No. 82/1996 s. 68, amended by No. 13/1999 s. 15(2)(b).\n\n(a) the member attains the minimum retirement age fixed in the governing instrument of the member's statutory superannuation scheme as in force at the time the member made the election under subsection (1);\n\n(b) death;\n\n(c) termination of employment on account of disability.\n\nS. 5(2A) inserted by No. 95/2000 s. 18(1).\n\n(2A) A member who is entitled to a deferred retirement benefit by the operation of this section may elect in writing to the administrators to—\n\n(a) convert the entitlement to a present lump sum; and\n\nS. 5(2A)(b) substituted by Nos 40/2004 s. 39(1), 37/2007 s. 44.\n\n(b) have the lump sum rolled over or transferred within the superannuation system as nominated by the member.\n\nS. 5(2B) inserted by No. 95/2000 s. 18(1).\n\n(2B) The method of calculating the conversion under subsection (2A) is to be determined by the Minister on the advice of an actuary appointed by the administrators.\n\ns. 5\n\n(3) If any pension payable under the terms of a statutory superannuation scheme may be totally or partially converted to a lump sum payment on the election or application of the person to whom it is payable, a person entitled to a pension in accordance with this Act is entitled to elect to receive or to apply for the conversion of the pension or part of the pension to a lump sum payment calculated and payable in accordance with the terms of the statutory superannuation scheme relating to the conversion of pensions to lump sum payments.\n\nS. 5A  \ninserted by No. 95/2000 s. 17, repealed by No. 94/2005 s. 50.\n\n* * * * *\n\n\t6 Amount of deferred retirement benefit\n\ns. 6\n\n(1) If a member who is aged 60 years or under has been required to contribute a uniform percentage of his or her salary throughout his or her membership of the statutory superannuation scheme and the benefit or part of the benefit which would have been payable on his or her retirement had he or she not changed employment was a pension based on salary at or prior to his or her retirement, the deferred retirement benefit or part of that benefit is a pension of an amount determined by—\n\n(a) calculating in accordance with the terms of the statutory superannuation scheme the amount of the pension payable to him or her if he or she had retired on attaining the age of 60 years on the assumptions that he or she would have served until the age of 60 years and that the actual salary payable prior to the date of his or her change of employment was the salary at or prior to attaining the age of 60 years; and\n\n(b) multiplying the amount so calculated by K; and\n\n(c) multiplying the amount calculated under paragraph (b) by ![]()\n\n(2) If a member who is aged 60 years or under has been required to contribute a uniform percentage of his or her salary throughout his or her membership of the statutory superannuation scheme and the benefit or part of the benefit which would have been payable on his or her retirement had he or she not changed employment was a lump sum based on salary at or prior to his or her retirement, the deferred retirement benefit or part of that benefit is a lump sum of an amount determined by—\n\ns. 6\n\n(a) calculating in accordance with the terms of the statutory superannuation scheme the amount of the lump sum payable to him or her if he or she had retired on attaining the age of 60 years on the assumptions that he or she would have served until the age of 60 years and that the actual salary payable prior to the date of his or her change of employment was the salary at or prior to attaining the age of 60 years; and\n\n(b) multiplying the amount so calculated by K; and\n\n(c) multiplying the amount calculated under paragraph (b) by ![]()\n\n(3) If a member—\n\n(a) changes employment when aged 60 years or under; and\n\n(b) is—\n\n(i) an original scheme member or revised scheme member of the State Superannuation Fund; or\n\nS. 6(3)(b)(ii) substituted by No. 4/1996 s. 121.\n\n(ii) a member of the Port of Melbourne Authority Superannuation Scheme—\n\nthe deferred retirement benefit is the amount calculated under subsection (1) or (2) multiplied by C.\n\n(4) In the case of a statutory superannuation scheme under which the benefit or part of the benefit which would have been payable on retirement of the member had he or she not changed employment was based on salary at or prior to retirement but none of subsections (1), (2) or (3) applies, the deferred benefit or part of that benefit for a member who changes employment aged 60 years or under is equal to the retirement benefit to which he or she would be entitled under the terms of the statutory superannuation scheme if he or she was to be taken to retire at the age of 60 years on the date of changing employment multiplied by ![]()\n\ns. 6\n\n(5) In the case of a statutory superannuation scheme in which the benefit or part of the benefit which would have been payable on retirement of the member had he or she not changed employment was a lump sum not based on his or her salary at or prior to his or her date of retirement, the deferred benefit or part of that benefit for a member who changes employment when aged 60 years or under is equal to a lump sum to which he or she would be entitled under the terms of the statutory superannuation scheme if he or she was to be taken to retire at the age of 60 years on the date of changing employment increased by the addition of interest at rates determined by the administrators.\n\ns. 6\n\n(6) In the case of a member who is aged over 60 years at the date of change of employment, the deferred retirement benefit is equal to the pension or lump sum that would have been payable at his or her retirement at the date of change of employment—\n\n(a) if the statutory superannuation scheme is one to which subsection (1), (2), (3) or (4) applies—multiplied by ![](); or\n\n(b) if the statutory superannuation scheme is one to which subsection (5) applies—increased by the addition of interest at rates determined by the administrators.\n\n(7) If a person who would be entitled to a deferred retirement benefit by the operation of section 5 resigns from employment as specified in section 5 then for the purpose of calculating resignation benefits—\n\n(a) deferred retirement benefits under this Act are to be taken to be the benefits he or she would have received on retirement at the age of 60 years; and\n\n(b) the aggregate of service for which benefits or deferred benefits are payable under any statutory superannuation scheme is to be recognized as service.\n\n\t7 Provisions relating to payment of benefits\n\ns. 7\n\n(1) If a person entitled to a deferred retirement benefit dies there is payable to his or her personal representative or dependants the benefits that the administrators determine having regard to—\n\nS. 7(1)(a) substituted by No. 82/1996 s. 69(1).\n\n(a) the governing instrument of the member's statutory superannuation scheme as in force at the time the member made the election under section 5(1); and\n\nS. 7(1)(b)(c) repealed by No. 82/1996 s. 69(1).\n\n* * * * *\n\n(d) any other matter they consider relevant.\n\n(2) If a person entitled to a deferred retirement benefit ceases to be gainfully employed on account of disability there is payable the benefits that the administrators determine having regard to—\n\nS. 7(2)(a) substituted by No. 82/1996 s. 69(2).\n\n(a) the governing instrument of the member's statutory superannuation scheme as in force at the time the member made the election under section 5(1); and\n\nS. 7(2)(b)(c) repealed by No. 82/1996 s. 69(2).\n\n* * * * *\n\n(d) any other matter they consider relevant.\n\n(3) If any person is in receipt of a deferred retirement pension he or she is entitled to receive any increase in the amount of the pension payable under the terms of the statutory superannuation scheme or in accordance with any decision of the administrators on the same basis as other persons receiving pensions under the statutory superannuation scheme.\n\ns. 7\n\n(4) If the aggregate of—\n\n(a) lump sum benefits payable from statutory superannuation schemes; and\n\n(b) pensions payable for statutory superannuation schemes multiplied by CR—\n\nexceeds 8⋅4 times the final salary of the member the last deferred retirement benefit granted under this Act must be reduced so that the aggregate does not exceed that multiple of final salary.\n\nS. 7(5) amended by No. 27/2001 s. 5(Sch. 3 item 6.3).\n\n(5) If a person becomes entitled to a deferred retirement pension and the pension under the statutory superannuation scheme carried an entitlement to a partner pension, the entitlement to the deferred retirement pension carries with it an entitlement to a partner pension on the same basis as under the statutory superannuation scheme.\n\nS. 7(6) amended by No. 40/2004 s. 40(1).\n\ns. 7\n\n(6) If a member entitled to a deferred retirement pension reaches the minimum retirement age fixed in the governing instrument of the member's statutory superannuation scheme at any age other than 60 years, the amount of the deferred retirement pension is the amount calculated under section 6 multiplied by ![]().\n\nS. 7(7) inserted by No. 72/1990 s. 16, amended by No. 40/2004 s. 40(2).\n\n(7) If a person who would be entitled to a deferred retirement benefit by the operation of section 5 is subject to the termination of his or her employment prior to attaining the minimum retirement age fixed in the governing instrument of the member's statutory superannuation scheme on a ground other than disability or death, he or she may elect to receive—\n\n(a) a cash benefit equal to a refund of the contributions paid by him or her and interest at the prescribed rate; and\n\nS. 7(7)(b) amended by No. 46/1998 s. 7(Sch. 1).\n\n(b) a deferred retirement benefit reduced by such amount as is determined by the Minister on the advice of an actuary.\n\nS. 7(7A) inserted by No. 95/2000 s. 18(2).\n\n(7A) A person who is entitled under subsection (7) to a deferred retirement benefit by the operation of section 5 may elect in writing to the administrators to—\n\n(a) convert the entitlement to a present lump sum; and\n\nS. 7(7A)(b) substituted by Nos 40/2004 s. 39(2), 37/2007 s. 45.\n\n(b) have the lump sum rolled over or transferred within the superannuation system as nominated by the person.\n\nS. 7(7B) inserted by No. 95/2000 s. 18(2).\n\n(7B) The method of calculating the conversion under subsection (7A) is to be determined by the Minister on the advice of an actuary appointed by the administrators.\n\nS. 7(8) inserted by No. 110/1993 s. 149.\n\n(8) Subsection (7) applies in respect of any deferred retirement benefit to which a person may be entitled as a result of a previous transfer to a different category of membership or scheme in the same Fund or to another Fund established by or under an Act if the deferred retirement benefit and the benefit preserved under this Act relate to a period of continuous employment.\n\nS. 7A  \ninserted by No. 13/1999 s. 16.\n\n\t7A Payment of benefits subject to specified standards and other provisions\n\ns. 7A\n\nNotwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Act or the governing instrument of the member's statutory superannuation scheme, the payment of any benefit under this Act is subject to—\n\n(a) any relevant specified standards; and\n\n(b) any provisions relating to the early release of benefits—\n\nwhich apply to the member's statutory superannuation scheme.\n\n\t8 Medical classification\n\ns. 8\n\nA person who elects to take a deferred retirement benefit is entitled to a medical classification under a statutory superannuation scheme of which he or she becomes a member which is no less favourable than the medical classification made under the statutory superannuation scheme from which the deferred retirement benefit was granted.\n\nS. 9 repealed by No. 64/1989 s. 36(5), new s. 9 inserted by No. 4/1996 s. 122.\n\n\t9 Option relating to certain members\n\n(1) In this section—\n\n***approved employer*** means an employer declared under section 5(1)(c) to be an approved employer in respect of the employment of persons who are officers;\n\n***officer*** means a member of a statutory superannuation scheme;\n\nS. 9(1) def. of *transfer period* amended by Nos 50/1997 s. 13(a), 84/1998 s. 50(1).\n\n***transfer period*** means—\n\n(a) in the case of an officer specified in subsection (2)(a), the period of 6 months commencing on the date on which the officer became an employee of the approved employer;\n\n(b) in the case of an officer specified in subsection (2)(b), the period of 2 months or any other longer period nominated by the Minister under subsection (4) commencing on the date on which the officer becomes an employee of the approved employer or the public authority.\n\n(2) This section applies to an officer—\n\n(a) who was an officer or employee of the Public Transport Corporation in the railway workshop at Bendigo on 7 February 1996; or\n\ns. 9\n\n(b) who is a member of a class of persons declared to be officers to whom this section applies by the Minister by instrument in writing for the purposes of this section.\n\nS. 9(3) amended by No. 50/1997 s. 13(b).\n\n(3) An officer who accepts employment with the approved employer or the public authority may elect during the transfer period to transfer the transfer amount to a complying superannuation fund.\n\n(4) The transfer amount and the terms and conditions that apply in respect of the transfer are to be determined by the Minister.\n\n(5) The administrators must pay into the statutory superannuation scheme payments received for superannuation provision in respect of the statutory superannuation scheme from any person liable for the unfunded liability relating to any transfer amount transferred from that statutory superannuation scheme.\n\n(6) The administrators must pay out of the statutory superannuation scheme the transfer amount, after deducting any tax required to be paid under the Commonwealth Income Tax Assessment Act 1936, to the relevant complying superannuation fund.\n\nS. 9(7) amended by Nos 50/1997 s. 13(b), 84/1998 s. 50(2), 8/1999 s. 52.\n\n(7) If an officer does not make an election in accordance with subsection (3), the officer is deemed to have elected to transfer the transfer amount to a complying superannuation fund nominated by the administrator of the officer's statutory superannuation scheme.\n\n(8) No stamp duty or other tax is payable under any Act in respect of anything done under this section.\n\n(9) The administrators are released from any liability in respect of the entitlements of officers to whom subsection (6) applies as soon as the transfer amount is paid to the relevant complying superannuation fund.\n\nS. 9AA inserted by No. 70/2003 s. 34.\n\n\t9AA Obligation on administrators\n\ns. 9AA\n\nS. 9AA(1) amended by No. 38/2009 s. 36(1).\n\n(1) Subject to subsections (5) and (6), the administrators must comply with this section if—\n\n(a) a superannuation agreement which provides for a payment split; or\n\n(b) a flag lifting agreement which provides for a payment split; or\n\n(c) a splitting order—\n\nis served on the administrators under Part VIIIB or VIIIAB of the Commonwealth Family Law Act 1975.\n\n(2) This section also applies to—\n\n(a) a superannuation agreement which provides for a payment split; or\n\n(b) a flag lifting agreement which provides for a payment split; or\n\n(c) a splitting order—\n\nwhich was served on the administrators under Part VIIIB of the Commonwealth Family Law Act 1975 before the commencement of section 34 of the **Superannuation Acts (Family Law) Act 2003** if the non-member spouse's entitlements in respect of the superannuation interest have not been satisfied as at that commencement.\n\nS. 9AA(2A) inserted by No. 38/2009 s. 36(2).\n\n(2A) This section also applies to—\n\n(a) a superannuation agreement which provides for a payment split; or\n\ns. 9AA\n\n(b) a flag lifting agreement which provides for a payment split; or\n\n(c) a splitting order—\n\nwhich was served on the administrators under Part VIIIAB of the Commonwealth Family Law Act 1975 before the commencement of section 36 of the **Superannuation Legislation Amendment Act 2009** if the non-member spouse's entitlements in respect of the superannuation interest have not been satisfied as at that commencement.\n\n(3) If the non-member spouse has not satisfied a relevant condition of release and the member spouse is not receiving a pension under this Act, the administrators must if the value of the non-member spouse's entitlement in respect of the superannuation interest at the particular time does not exceed the value of the member spouse's interest in the statutory superannuation fund—\n\n(a) transfer a lump sum amount equal to the value of the non-member spouse's entitlement in respect of the superannuation interest at the time of the payment to an eligible superannuation plan nominated in writing by the non-member spouse within the specified period; or\n\ns. 9AA\n\n(b) if the non-member spouse fails to nominate in writing an eligible superannuation plan within the specified period, transfer a lump sum amount equal to the value of the non-member spouse's entitlement in respect of the superannuation interest at the time of the payment to an eligible rollover fund selected by the administrators.\n\n(4) If the non-member spouse has satisfied a relevant condition of release or the member spouse is receiving a pension under this Act, the administrators must if the value of the non-member spouse's entitlement in respect of the superannuation interest at the particular time does not exceed the value of the member spouse's interest in the statutory superannuation fund—\n\n(a) if so requested in writing by the non-member spouse within the specified period, pay the non-member spouse a lump sum amount equal to the value of the non-member spouse's entitlement in respect of the superannuation interest at the time of the payment; or\n\n(b) if so requested in writing by the non-member spouse within the specified period, transfer a lump sum amount equal to the value of the non-member spouse's entitlement in respect of the superannuation interest at the time of the payment to an eligible superannuation plan nominated in writing by the non-member spouse; or\n\n(c) if no request is received from the non-member spouse within the specified period, transfer a lump sum amount equal to the value of the non-member spouse's entitlement in respect of the superannuation interest at the time of the payment to an eligible rollover fund selected by the administrators.\n\ns. 9AA\n\n(5) Subsections (3) and (4) do not apply if—\n\n(a) the member spouse's superannuation interest is an unsplittable interest; or\n\n(b) a payment flag is operating in respect of the member spouse's superannuation interest; or\n\n(c) the non-member spouse has served a waiver notice on the administrators under section 90MZA of the Commonwealth Family Law Act 1975 in respect of the member spouse's superannuation interest; or\n\n(d) the member spouse's superannuation interest is a payment that is not a splittable payment under Part 2 of the Commonwealth Family Law (Superannuation) Regulations 2001.\n\n(6) If the member spouse's superannuation interest is a pension under this Act due to a disability which is a splittable payment, the administrators may determine that subsections (3) and (4) do not apply.\n\n(7) If the non-member spouse serves a waiver notice on the administrators under section 90MZA of the Commonwealth Family Law Act 1975 in respect of the member spouse's superannuation interest, the administrators may make a payment to the non-member spouse not exceeding the value at a particular time of the non-member spouse's entitlement in respect of the superannuation interest less any payments previously made by the administrators to the non-member spouse in accordance with this section.\n\nS. 9AB inserted by No. 70/2003 s. 34.\n\n\t9AB Reduction of deferred retirement benefit or transfer amount\n\ns. 9AB\n\nDespite anything to the contrary in this Act, if under section 9AA an amount is paid by the administrators to a non-member spouse or transferred by the administrators on behalf of a non-member spouse, the deferred retirement benefit or transfer amount of a member spouse must be reduced by the administrators in accordance with a methodology approved by the Minister, on the advice of an actuary appointed by the administrators.\n\nS. 9AC inserted by No. 70/2003 s. 34.\n\n\t9AC Administrators may provide additional information\n\nOn the application of an eligible person within the meaning of section 90MZB(8) of the Commonwealth Family Law Act 1975, the administrators may provide information additional to the information required to be provided under section 90MZB of that Act if the administrators consider that the additional information is necessary to understand the statutory superannuation fund or the member spouse's benefit entitlements.\n\nS. 9AD inserted by No. 70/2003 s. 34.\n\n\t9AD Charging of fees\n\ns. 9AC\n\n(1) The administrators may charge reasonable fees in respect of—\n\n(a) a payment split;\n\n(b) a payment flag;\n\n(c) flag lifting under a flag lifting agreement that does not provide for a payment split;\n\n(d) an order under section 90MM of the Commonwealth Family Law Act 1975 terminating the operation of a payment flag;\n\n(e) an application under section 90MZB of the Commonwealth Family Law Act 1975 for information about a superannuation interest;\n\n(f) any other thing done by the Board in relation to a superannuation interest covered by a superannuation agreement, flag lifting agreement or splitting order;\n\n(g) the provision of information under section 9AC.\n\n(2) Fees charged under subsection (1) must not exceed the maximum levels of fees fixed by the Minister for the purposes of this section by notice published in the Government Gazette.\n\n(3) If the administrators charge a fee under subsection (1), the fee is payable—\n\n(a) unless paragraph (b) applies, in the case of subsection (1)(a), (1)(b), (1)(c), (1)(d) or (1)(f), by the member spouse and the non‑member spouse in equal parts; or\n\n(b) if the fee is in respect of a payment split under which the non-member spouse is entitled to be paid the whole of the amount of each splittable payment that becomes payable, by the non-member spouse; or\n\n(c) in the case of subsection (1)(e) or (1)(g), by the person who made the application.\n\nS. 9A inserted by No. 29/2000 s. 16.\n\n\t9A Surcharge payments\n\ns. 9A\n\nThe administrators of a statutory superannuation scheme must administer any surcharge paid or payable in respect of any benefit under this Act in accordance with the terms of the statutory superannuation scheme.\n\n\t10 Settlement of disputes\n\n(1) In this section ***dispute*** means any dispute—\n\n(a) as to the amount of any benefit payable in accordance with this Act; or\n\n(b) arising as a result of the administrators or a person entitled to a benefit in accordance with this Act considering that the benefit paid or payable to that person is inappropriate having regard to—\n\nS. 10(1)(b)(i) substituted by No. 82/1996 s. 70.\n\n(i) the governing instrument of the member's statutory superannuation scheme as in force at the time the member made the election under section 5(1); and\n\nS. 10(1)(b) (ii)(iii)  \nrepealed by No. 82/1996 s. 70.\n\n* * * * *\n\n(iv) any other matter.\n\nS. 10(2) amended by No. 120/1994 s. 66(2)(3), substituted by No. 4/1996 s. 123.\n\n(2) Any dispute relating to benefit entitlements under this Act must be determined in the first place by the administrators.\n\nS. 10(3) amended by No. 120/1994 s. 66(2), substituted by Nos 4/1996 s. 123, 52/1998 s. 311(Sch. 1 item 87).\n\n(3) A person whose interests are affected by a decision of the administrators may apply to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal for review of the decision.\n\nS. 10(4) amended by No. 120/1994 s. 66(2), repealed by No. 4/1996 s. 123, new s. 10(4) inserted by No. 52/1998 s. 311(Sch. 1 item 87).\n\n(4) An application for review must be made within 28 days after the later of—\n\n(a) the day on which the decision is made;\n\n(b) if, under the **Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 1998**, the person requests a statement of reasons for the decision, the day on which the statement of reasons is given to the person or the person is informed under section 46(5) of that Act that a statement of reasons will not be given.\n\n\t11 Regulations\n\ns. 11\n\n(1) The Governor in Council may make regulations for or with respect to any matter or thing required or permitted by this Act to be prescribed or necessary to be prescribed to give effect to this Act.\n\n(2) The regulations—\n\n(a) may be of general or limited application; and\n\n(b) may differ according to differences in time, place or circumstances.\n\n\t12 Repeal\n\n(1) The **Superannuation Benefits Act 1977** is **repealed**.\n\n(2) Unless the context otherwise requires, any reference to the **Superannuation Benefits Act 1977** in any Act, regulation, subordinate instrument or other document is to be construed as a reference to the **Superannuation (Portability) Act 1989**.\n\ns. 12\n\n\n\nENDNOTES\n\nEndnotes\n\n1. General Information\n\n\n*Minister's second reading speech—*\n\n*Legislative Assembly: 3 November 1988*\n\n*Legislative Council: 18 April 1989*\n\nThe long title for the Bill for this Act was \"A Bill to re-enact with amendments the law relating to the portability of superannuation within the public sector, to repeal the **Superannuation Benefits Act 1977** and for other purposes.\".\n\nThe **Superannuation (Portability) Act 1989** was assented to on 9 May 1989 and came into operation on 9 May 1989: section 2.\n\n1. Table of Amendments\n\n\nEndnotes\n\nThis Version incorporates amendments made to the **Superannuation (Portability) Act 1989** by Acts and subordinate instruments.\n\n–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––\n\n**Accident Compensation (General Amendment) Act 1989, No. 64/1989**\n\n| Assent Date: | 29.9.89 |\n| --- | --- |\n| Commencement Date: | S. 36(5) on 1.7.90: Government Gazette 21.2.90 p. 518 |\n| Current State: | This information relates only to the provision/s amending the **Superannuation (Portability) Act 1989** |\n\n\n**Superannuation Acts (Miscellaneous Amendments) Act 1990, No. 72/1990**\n\n| Assent Date: | 4.12.90 |\n| --- | --- |\n| Commencement Date: | S. 16 on 19.12.90: Government Gazette 19.12.90 p. 3751 |\n| Current State: | This information relates only to the provision/s amending the **Superannuation (Portability) Act 1989** |\n\n\n**Superannuation (Compliance) Act 1993, No. 54/1993**\n\n| Assent Date: | 8.6.93 |\n| --- | --- |\n| Commencement Date: | S. 13 on 8.6.93: s. 2(1) |\n| Current State: | This information relates only to the provision/s amending the **Superannuation (Portability) Act 1989** |\n\n\n**Public Sector Superannuation (Administration) Act 1993, No. 110/1993**\n\n| Assent Date: | 30.11.93 |\n| --- | --- |\n| Commencement Date: | S. 149 on 30.11.93: s. 2(1); s. 148 on 1.1.94: s. 2(6) |\n| Current State: | This information relates only to the provision/s amending the **Superannuation (Portability) Act 1989** |\n\n\n**Superannuation Acts (Further Amendment) Act 1994, No. 120/1994** (as amended by No. 102/1995)\n\n| Assent Date: | 20.12.94 |\n| --- | --- |\n| Commencement Date: | S. 69 on 1.1.94: s. 2(6); s. 67 on 1.7.94: s. 2(7A); ss 66, 68 on 20.12.94: s. 2(1) |\n| Current State: | This information relates only to the provision/s amending the **Superannuation (Portability) Act 1989** |\n\n\n**Superannuation Acts (Amendment) Act 1996, No. 4/1996**\n\n| Assent Date: | 18.6.96 |\n| --- | --- |\n| Commencement Date: | S. 122 on 7.2.96: s. 2(8); s. 121 on 18.6.96: s. 2(1); ss 120, 123 on 30.6.96: s. 2(12) |\n| Current State: | This information relates only to the provision/s amending the **Superannuation (Portability) Act 1989** |\n\n\n**Superannuation Acts (Further Amendment) Act 1996, No. 82/1996**\n\n| Assent Date: | 23.12.96 |\n| --- | --- |\n| Commencement Date: | Ss 68–70 on 23.12.96: s. 2(1) |\n| Current State: | This information relates only to the provision/s amending the **Superannuation (Portability) Act 1989** |\n\n\n**Superannuation Acts (Miscellaneous Amendment) Act 1997, No. 50/1997**\n\n| Assent Date: | 11.6.97 |\n| --- | --- |\n| Commencement Date: | S. 13 on 11.6.97: s. 2(1) |\n| Current State: | This information relates only to the provision/s amending the **Superannuation (Portability) Act 1989** |\n\n\nEndnotes\n\n**Public Sector Reform (Miscellaneous Amendments) Act 1998, No. 46/1998**\n\n| Assent Date: | 26.5.98 |\n| --- | --- |\n| Commencement Date: | S. 7(Sch. 1) on 1.7.98: s. 2(2) |\n| Current State: | This information relates only to the provision/s amending the **Superannuation (Portability) Act 1989** |\n\n\n**Tribunals and Licensing Authorities (Miscellaneous Amendments) Act 1998, No. 52/1998**\n\n| Assent Date: | 2.6.98 |\n| --- | --- |\n| Commencement Date: | S. 311(Sch. 1 item 87) on 1.7.98: Government Gazette 18.6.98 p. 1512 |\n| Current State: | This information relates only to the provision/s amending the **Superannuation (Portability) Act 1989** |\n\n\n**Superannuation Acts (Amendment) Act 1998, No. 84/1998**\n\n| Assent Date: | 17.11.98 |\n| --- | --- |\n| Commencement Date: | S. 50 on 17.11.98: s. 2(1) |\n| Current State: | This information relates only to the provision/s amending the **Superannuation (Portability) Act 1989** |\n\n\n**Government Superannuation Act 1999, No. 8/1999**\n\n| Assent Date: | 11.5.99 |\n| --- | --- |\n| Commencement Date: | S. 52 on 1.7.99: s. 2(1) |\n| Current State: | This information relates only to the provision/s amending the **Superannuation (Portability) Act 1989** |\n\n\n**Superannuation Acts (Further Amendment) Act 1999, No. 13/1999**\n\n| Assent Date: | 11.5.99 |\n| --- | --- |\n| Commencement Date: | Ss 15, 16 on 11.5.99: s. 2(1) |\n| Current State: | This information relates only to the provision/s amending the **Superannuation (Portability) Act 1989** |\n\n\n**Superannuation Acts (Amendment) Act 2000, No. 29/2000**\n\n| Assent Date: | 30.5.00 |\n| --- | --- |\n| Commencement Date: | S. 16 on 31.5.00: s. 2(1) |\n| Current State: | This information relates only to the provision/s amending the **Superannuation (Portability) Act 1989** |\n\n\n**Superannuation Acts (Beneficiary Choice) Act 2000, No. 95/2000**\n\n| Assent Date: | 5.12.00 |\n| --- | --- |\n| Commencement Date: | S. 17 on 6.12.00: s. 2(1); s. 18 on 1.7.01: s. 2(6) |\n| Current State: | This information relates only to the provision/s amending the **Superannuation (Portability) Act 1989** |\n\n\nEndnotes\n\n**Statute Law Amendment (Relationships) Act 2001, No. 27/2001**\n\n| Assent Date: | 12.6.01 |\n| --- | --- |\n| Commencement Date: | S. 5(Sch. 3 item 6) on 23.8.01: Government Gazette 23.8.01 p. 1927 |\n| Current State: | This information relates only to the provision/s amending the **Superannuation (Portability) Act 1989** |\n\n\n**Superannuation Acts (Family Law) Act 2003, No. 70/2003**\n\n| Assent Date: | 14.10.03 |\n| --- | --- |\n| Commencement Date: | Ss 33, 34 on 15.10.03: s. 2(1) |\n| Current State: | This information relates only to the provision/s amending the **Superannuation (Portability) Act 1989** |\n\n\n**Treasury and Finance Legislation (Amendment) Act 2004, No. 40/2004**\n\n| Assent Date: | 8.6.04 |\n| --- | --- |\n| Commencement Date: | Ss 39, 40 on 9.6.04: s. 2(1) |\n| Current State: | This information relates only to the provision/s amending the **Superannuation (Portability) Act 1989** |\n\n\n**Public Administration Act 2004, No. 108/2004**\n\n| Assent Date: | 21.12.04 |\n| --- | --- |\n| Commencement Date: | S. 117(1)(Sch. 3 item 192) on 5.4.05: Government Gazette 31.3.05 p. 602 |\n| Current State: | This information relates only to the provision/s amending the **Superannuation (Portability) Act 1989** |\n\n\n**Superannuation Legislation (Governance Reform) Act 2005, No. 94/2005**\n\n| Assent Date: | 29.11.05 |\n| --- | --- |\n| Commencement Date: | S. 50 on 1.12.05: s. 2 |\n| Current State: | This information relates only to the provision/s amending the **Superannuation (Portability) Act 1989** |\n\n\n**Superannuation Legislation Amendment (Contribution Splitting and Other Matters) Act 2007, No. 37/2007**\n\nEndnotes\n\n| Assent Date: | 14.8.07 |\n| --- | --- |\n| Commencement Date: | Ss 43–45 on 15.8.07: s. 2 |\n| Current State: | This information relates only to the provision/s amending the **Superannuation (Portability) Act 1989** |\n\n\n**Relationships Act 2008, No. 12/2008**\n\n| Assent Date: | 15.4.08 |\n| --- | --- |\n| Commencement Date: | S. 73(1)(Sch. 1 item 59) on 1.12.08: s. 2(2) |\n| Current State: | This information relates only to the provision/s amending the **Superannuation (Portability) Act 1989** |\n\n\n**Relationships Amendment (Caring Relationships) Act 2009, No. 4/2009**\n\n| Assent Date: | 10.2.09 |\n| --- | --- |\n| Commencement Date: | S. 37(Sch. 1 item 24) on 1.12.09: s. 2(2) |\n| Current State: | This information relates only to the provision/s amending the **Superannuation (Portability) Act 1989** |\n\n\n**Superannuation Legislation Amendment Act 2009, No. 38/2009**\n\n| Assent Date: | 30.6.09 |\n| --- | --- |\n| Commencement Date: | Ss 35, 36 on 1.7.09: s. 2(1) |\n| Current State: | This information relates only to the provision/s amending the **Superannuation (Portability) Act 1989** |\n\n\n**Superannuation Legislation Amendment Act 2010, No. 40/2010**\n\n| Assent Date: | 30.6.10 |\n| --- | --- |\n| Commencement Date: | S. 97 on 1.7.10: Government Gazette 1.7.10 p. 1359 |\n| Current State: | This information relates only to the provision/s amending the **Superannuation (Portability) Act 1989** |\n\n\n**Treasury Legislation and Other Acts Amendment Act 2014, No. 44/2014**\n\n| *Assent Date:* | 27.6.14 |\n| --- | --- |\n| *Commencement Date:* | S. 33(Sch. item 28) on 30.6.14: s. 2(5) |\n| *Current State:* | This information relates only to the provision/s amending the **Superannuation (Portability) Act 1989** |\n\n\n–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––\n\n1. Explanatory Details\n\n\nEndnotes\n\nNo entries at date of publication.","sortOrder":0}],"analysis":{"issue_detection":{"absurdities":[],"contradictions":[]},"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":7,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"The original 1989 Act focused narrowly on portability between public sector jobs. However, the legislation has expanded significantly to incorporate: (1) comprehensive family law superannuation splitting regimes (2003, 2009 amendments) covering de facto relationships and same-sex couples; (2) interaction with Commonwealth superannuation regulation and tax law; (3) detailed fee-charging mechanisms for administrative services; and (4) rollover provisions connecting to the broader superannuation system. The Act now functions as much as a family law compliance mechanism and interface with federal financial regulation as it does a portability scheme."},"complexity_factors":["47+ defined terms across multiple subsections, including nested definitions (e.g., 'partner' includes 'spouse' or 'domestic partner', where 'domestic partner' has its own two-part definition)","Extensive cross-referencing to Commonwealth legislation including the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act 1993, Family Law Act 1975, Income Tax Assessment Act 1936, and various regulations","Complex mathematical formulas for calculating deferred benefits involving multiple variables (K, A, B, C, CC, CR, X, Y) with fractional multipliers and CPI adjustments","Multiple contingent pathways for benefit payments depending on age at resignation (over/under 60), type of employment change, disability status, and death","Family law provisions (sections 9AA-9AD) create a parallel regime with 15+ additional defined terms specific to superannuation splitting, including conditions for payment flags, splitting orders, and eligible rollover funds","Nested exceptions in family law sections: subsections (3) and (4) don't apply if conditions in (5) are met, and (6) provides discretionary override for disability pensions","Historical layering: 25+ amending Acts since 1989 creating fragmented commencement dates and transitional provisions visible in the endnotes","Dual definitions of 'spouse' - one for general use and a broader Family Law Act definition specifically for sections 9AA-9AD"],"plain_english_summary":"**What this law does:**\n\nThis is a Victorian law that lets public sector workers take their superannuation (retirement savings) with them when they change jobs within the public sector. Instead of losing their accumulated benefits when moving between government departments or public authorities, workers can preserve their entitlements and access them later.\n\n**Who it affects:**\n\n- **Public sector employees** in Victoria who are members of \"statutory superannuation schemes\" (government-run retirement funds established by legislation)\n- **Administrators** of these superannuation schemes (the people who manage the funds)\n- **Former spouses/partners** of members, particularly in family law property settlements\n\n**Key features:**\n\n- **Portability**: When a member changes jobs to work for another public authority or approved employer, they can choose to either take their existing scheme's benefit or receive a \"deferred retirement benefit\" under this Act\n- **Deferred benefits**: These are calculated based on what the member would have received if they worked until age 60, adjusted by various mathematical factors (K, C, CC, CR) that account for their age and service\n- **Family law**: The Act includes detailed rules for splitting superannuation interests when couples separate or divorce, including transferring amounts to former spouses and charging fees for these services\n- **Rollovers**: Members can often convert their entitlements to lump sums and roll them over into other superannuation funds\n- **Indexation**: Benefits are adjusted for inflation using the consumer price index\n\n**Why it matters:**\n\nBefore this law, public servants risked losing or fragmenting their retirement savings when changing jobs. This Act ensures career mobility within the public sector doesn't penalise workers' retirement security. It also ensures compliance with Commonwealth family law, allowing superannuation to be divided fairly when relationships break down."},"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":7,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"Yes. The Act started as a statute to make superannuation portable within the Victorian public sector (mechanical portability on change of public employment). Over successive amendments it has materially broadened in scope to include:\n\n- integration with Commonwealth Family Law splitting, flagging and flag‑lifting mechanisms and detailed obligations on administrators to effect splits or transfers (sections 9AA–9AB);\n- explicit rollovers and transfers to complying superannuation funds, approved deposit funds and eligible rollover funds, and optional conversion to lump sums for transfer (sections 5(2A), 7(7A), section 9);\n- expanded definitions of spouse/domestic partner and alignment with Commonwealth SIS/Family Law definitions (section 3); and\n- operational and cost‑recovery provisions for administrators (fee charging, ministerial fee caps in section 9AD).\n\nThese additions move the Act beyond a narrow portability mechanism into a framework that governs family‑law splitting, rollovers across the broader Australian superannuation system, and administrative cost recovery — increasing the Act’s regulatory reach and operational interactions with Commonwealth law."},"complexity_factors":["Extensive interpretation section (section 3) with dozens of defined terms and cross‑references to Commonwealth statutes and regulations (SIS Act, Family Law Act, Superannuation Regulations).","Complex actuarial formulas and indexed factors embedded across section 3 and section 6 (A, B, C, K, X, Y, CC, CR and formula multipliers).","Multiple conditional branches by age, scheme‑type and benefit‑type across sections 5–7 (e.g. different rules for members under/over 60, salary‑based vs non‑salary lump sums).","Significant delegation to Minister and appointed actuaries to determine calculation methods and reduction methodologies (sections 5(2B), 7(7B), 9AB).","Family Law integration with several contingent outcomes (transfer, lump‑sum payment, rollovers, eligible rollover funds), including exceptions and waiver/flagging mechanics in section 9AA.","Administrators’ operational discretions and fee‑charging rules with ministerial caps (section 9AD) add layers of administrative procedure. ","Cross‑statute compliance: payments are subject to ‘specified standards’ and Commonwealth early‑release/conditions (section 7A), increasing inter‑legislative complexity. ","Several time limits and procedural requirements for dispute review and for non‑member spouse nominations (section 10, section 9AA specified periods).","Layered historical amendments and references to repealed/earlier Acts (repeal of Superannuation Benefits Act 1977 in section 12 and numerous amendment history entries) increase interpretive effort. "],"plain_english_summary":"**What this law does (mechanics first)**\n\n- Gives members of Victorian statutory public‑sector superannuation schemes a right to a “deferred retirement benefit” when they leave one covered public scheme to take certain other public‑sector employment or approved employment (section 5).  The member can elect a deferred pension or convert that entitlement to a lump sum and roll it over into another superannuation vehicle (sections 5(2A), 7(7A)).\n\n- Sets out how the deferred benefit is calculated (section 6).  Calculations are generally based on the benefit the member would have received if they had remained in the scheme until age 60 (or the scheme’s minimum retirement age), adjusted by statutory actuarial factors and other multipliers defined in the Act (see definitions and the formulas in section 6).  Special rules apply where the member is over 60, when benefits are salary‑based, or where benefits are lump sums not salary‑based.\n\n- Treats payment timing and circumstances for the deferred benefit: it becomes payable on the earliest of (a) the scheme’s minimum retirement age, (b) death, or (c) termination for disability (section 5(2)).  Administrators decide final benefit payments having regard to the scheme rules and any other relevant matter (section 7(1)–(2)).\n\n- Makes payments under this Act subject to any specified standards and early‑release provisions that apply to the member’s statutory scheme (section 7A).  It also guarantees a no‑worse medical classification if a member moves between statutory schemes (section 8).\n\n- Implements Family Law obligations: administrators must comply with Commonwealth Family Law splitting orders, flagging orders and related agreements (section 9AA).  Where a non‑member spouse is entitled to a split, administrators must transfer or pay the non‑member spouse’s portion as a lump sum or roll it into an eligible complying fund or eligible rollover fund, subject to release conditions and exceptions (section 9AA).  If administrators effect such payments/transfers, the member’s deferred benefit or transfer amount is reduced using a Minister‑approved actuarial method (section 9AB).\n\n- Allows administrators to charge reasonable, Minister‑capped fees for family‑law related actions and for providing additional information (section 9AD).\n\n- Requires internal dispute handling by the administrators first; decisions may then be reviewed by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal within a 28‑day window (section 10).\n\n- Repeals the earlier Superannuation Benefits Act 1977 and replaces it with this portability regime (section 12).\n\n\n**Who is affected**\n\n- Primary: members of Victorian statutory superannuation schemes who leave covered public‑sector employment (section 5) and their dependants or personal representatives (section 7(1)).\n- Administrators of statutory superannuation schemes, who must calculate/ pay deferred benefits, respond to Family Law orders and may charge capped fees (sections 5, 6, 7, 9AA, 9AD).\n- Ministers and appointed actuaries, who set calculation methods, approve actuarial methodologies and may make regulations (sections 6, 7(7B), 9AB, 11).\n- Non‑member spouses and family‑law applicants who may receive payment splits, rollovers or lump sums under Commonwealth Family Law instruments (section 9AA).\n- Approved employers and complying superannuation funds that receive rollovers or transfers when a member elects to convert and move benefits (sections 5(2A), 9).\n\n\n**Why it matters (policy effects and implementation mechanics)**\n\n- Portability and member choice: The Act mechanically permits members to preserve and move accrued public‑sector superannuation entitlements instead of being forced to accept the new scheme’s terms immediately. That reduces a specific mobility cost for affected public employees (section 5, sections 5(2A), 7(7A)).\n\n- Calculation complexity and value trade‑offs: Benefits are not simply transferred dollar‑for‑dollar. They are converted using actuarial formulas and age/contribution multipliers (definitions in section 3 and the formulas in section 6). Those formulas can reduce or index the value compared with the benefit the member would have received at actual retirement, depending on age, contribution history and scheme type (section 6).  The Minister and appointed actuaries determine conversion methods (section 5(2B), 7(7B)).\n\n- Family Law interaction creates operational cost and timing issues: Administrators must comply with commonwealth family‑law splitting and flagging orders and either pay or transfer split amounts (section 9AA). Where administrators do this, they must reduce the member’s deferred entitlement using a Minister‑approved actuarial method (section 9AB). Administrators may charge capped fees for these activities (section 9AD), so administrators bear upfront work and recover some costs from the parties.\n\n- Discretion and administrative burden: The Act gives the Minister and administrators significant decision‑making roles (approving actuaries, fixing methodologies, selecting default rollover funds, setting fee maxima), which means outcomes depend on delegated rules and actuarial choices rather than purely bright‑line statutory entitlements (sections 3, 5(2B), 7(7B), 9(4), 9AD(2)).\n\n- Interaction with Commonwealth law increases compliance requirements: The Act cross‑references the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) framework, Commonwealth Family Law rules and related regulations to manage rollovers, eligible funds, splitting orders, and conditions of release. Administrators must comply with both state and Commonwealth rules when executing transfers or payments (section 3 definitions, section 7A, sections 9AA–9AD).\n\n\n**Concrete costs, incentives and trade‑offs**\n\n- Who pays:  members may receive reduced deferred benefit values because of actuarial adjustments; administrators and public funds bear administrative costs (partly recoverable via capped fees under section 9AD).  Employers who are declared ‘approved’ may be involved in transfer arrangements (section 5(1)(c), section 9).\n\n- Incentives: The ability to roll a deferred benefit into a complying fund encourages members to move to private or alternative public arrangements rather than keeping a preserved public pension. Family‑law splitting rules create incentives for earlier valuations and possible lump‑sum transfers where release conditions allow (sections 5(2A), 9AA(3)–(4)).\n\n- Implementation risks: actuarial determinations and Ministerial approvals (sections 5(2B), 7(7B), 9AB) create potential for complexity, delays and disputes about valuation methods. Cross‑jurisdictional compliance (state Act v Commonwealth SIS and Family Law instruments) raises operational complexity for administrators (section 3 definitions, section 9AA).\n\n\n**Key sections to look at if you have a practical question**\n\n- Entitlement on leaving covered employment: section 5.\n- Converting to lump sum and rolling over: sections 5(2A), 7(7A) and the Minister/actuary powers in 5(2B), 7(7B).\n- Calculation methodology and defined actuarial factors: section 3 (definitions) and section 6.\n- Family Law splitting and administrator duties: sections 9AA–9AB; fee charging: section 9AD.\n- Dispute handling and review: section 10.\n- Regulations and delegated powers: section 11.\n- Repeal of the previous Act: section 12.\n\n"},"flash_summary_failed":{"failed":true,"reason":"A positive credit balance is required for all requests, including BYOK, so fallback providers remain available. Add credits at https://vercel.com/d?to=%2F%5Bteam%5D%2F%7E%2Fai%3Fmodal%3Dtop-up to continue.","source":"analysis-cron"},"summary":{"complexity_score":3,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"The practical scope of this Act has almost certainly narrowed dramatically since 1989. Originally intended to govern superannuation portability for Victorian workers broadly, the rise of the federal superannuation system (particularly post-1992 with compulsory super) means this Act now likely applies only to a narrow class of state-regulated funds, if it retains any operative effect at all. The original intent — protecting workers' super when changing jobs — is now primarily achieved through federal law."},"complexity_factors":["The provided text contains almost no substantive legislative content — only metadata, version history labels, and status indicators — making meaningful legal analysis severely limited","The interaction between this older state Act and the now-dominant federal superannuation regulatory framework adds a layer of jurisdictional complexity","Historical context requires understanding of the evolution of Australian superannuation law over 35+ years","Determining what provisions remain operative versus superseded by Commonwealth law requires cross-referencing multiple legislative instruments"],"plain_english_summary":"The Superannuation (Portability) Act 1989 (Vic) established rules enabling Victorian workers to transfer their superannuation entitlements between funds when changing jobs, protecting retirement savings from being lost or penalised by incompatible employer funds. \n\nIt mainly affected Victorian employees and predates the national superannuation framework; most portability rules are now governed by Commonwealth law, though the Act may still apply to some state-regulated or public-sector funds."}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/superannuation-portability-act-1989","history":"/api/acts/superannuation-portability-act-1989/history","analysis":"/api/acts/superannuation-portability-act-1989/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/superannuation-portability-act-1989/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/superannuation-portability-act-1989/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/superannuation-portability-act-1989/documents"}}