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Commonwealth legislation
This instrument establishes clear rules for dividing superannuation on relationship breakdowns: how different fund types are valued and split, when payments can’t be divided, and trustee duties to provide information. It affects separating married and de facto couples, superannuation trustees, and family courts.
It matters because superannuation is often a major asset; the rules promote fairness and consistency across simple accumulation funds and complex defined‑benefit schemes, and protect small or non‑splittable interests.
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Direct links to the current provisions in Family Law (Superannuation) Regulations 2025.
This instrument is the Family Law (Superannuation) Regulations 2025.
(1) Each provision of this instrument specified in column 1 of the table commences, or is taken to have commenced, in accordance with column 2 of the table. Any other statement in column 2 has effect according to its terms.
<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" style="width:100%; border-collapse:collapse"><thead><tr><td colspan="3" style="border-top:1.5pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="TableHeading"><span>Commencement information</span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="width:25.44%; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="TableHeading"><span>Column 1</span></p></td><td style="width:52.54%; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="TableHeading"><span>Column 2</span></p></td><td style="width:22.02%; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="TableHeading"><span>Column 3</span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="width:25.44%; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:1.5pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="TableHeading"><span>Provisions</span></p></td><td style="width:52.54%; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:1.5pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="TableHeading"><span>Commencement</span></p></td><td style="width:22.02%; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:1.5pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="TableHeading"><span>Date/Details</span></p></td></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td style="width:25.44%; border-top:1.5pt solid #000000; border-bottom:1.5pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext"><span>1.</span><span> </span><span>The whole of this instrument</span></p></td><td style="width:52.54%; border-top:1.5pt solid #000000; border-bottom:1.5pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext"><span>1</span><span> </span><span>April 2025.</span></p></td><td style="width:22.02%; border-top:1.5pt solid #000000; border-bottom:1.5pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext"><span>1</span><span> </span><span>April 2025</span></p></td></tr></tbody></table>
Note: This table relates only to the provisions of this instrument as originally made. It will not be amended to deal with any later amendments of this instrument.
(2) Any information in column 3 of the table is not part of this instrument. Information may be inserted in this column, or information in it may be edited, in any published version of this instrument.
This instrument is made under the Family Law Act 1975.
Note: Expressions used in this instrument have the same meaning as in the Act (see paragraph 13(1)(b) of the Legislation Act 2003). Some examples are the following, which are defined in Part VIIIB or VIIIC of the Act:
(a) eligible superannuation plan;
(b) member spouse;
(c) non‑member spouse;
(d) operative time;
(e) payment flag;
(f) payment split;
(g) superannuation interest.
In this instrument:
accumulation interest means a superannuation interest, or a component of a superannuation interest, that is not a defined benefit interest or a small superannuation accounts interest.
Act means the Family Law Act 1975.
adjusted base amount applicable to the non‑member spouse, for a superannuation interest at a particular date, has the meaning given by section 73.
allocated annuity means an annuity that is paid, within a range of minimum and maximum payments, from an identifiable lump sum and includes an annuity that arises under a contract that meets the standards of subregulation 1.05(4) of the SIS Regulations.
allocated pension means a pension paid, within a range of minimum and maximum payments, from an identifiable lump sum, including:
(a) a pension provided under rules of a superannuation fund that meet the standards of subregulation 1.06(4) of the SIS Regulations; and
(b) a pension provided under terms and conditions of an RSA that meet the standards of subregulation 1.07(2) of the RSA Regulations.
annuity provider means a person, body or organisation that has entered into a contract to provide an annuity.
applicable adjustment period, for a superannuation interest, has the meaning given by section 74 or 75.
base amount, for a superannuation interest, means:
(a) if the interest is identified in a superannuation agreement or flag lifting agreement:
(i) the monetary amount specified in the agreement in relation to the interest for the purposes of subparagraph 90XJ(1)(c)(i) or 90YN(1)(c)(i) of the Act, rounded up or down to the nearest dollar (with 50 cents being rounded up); or
(ii) the monetary amount calculated using a method specified in the agreement for the purposes of subparagraph 90XJ(1)(c)(ii) or 90YN(1)(c)(ii) of the Act, rounded up or down to the nearest dollar (with 50 cents being rounded up); and
(b) if a splitting order applies for the interest—the monetary amount allocated to the non‑member spouse by the court under subsection 90XT(4) or 90YY(5) of the Act, rounded up or down to the nearest dollar (with 50 cents being rounded up).
component of a superannuation interest has the meaning given by section 5.
constitutionally protected fund has the meaning given by subsection 995‑1(1) of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997.
deferred annuity means an annuity that is not presently payable.
defined benefit interest has the meaning given by section 6.
exempt public sector superannuation scheme has the same meaning as in the SIS Act.
fixed term annuity means an annuity that:
(a) is not a market linked annuity; and
(b) is paid for a fixed period.
growth phase for:
(a) a superannuation interest (other than a small superannuation accounts interest) of a member spouse; or
(b) a component of such an interest;
has the meaning given by section 7 or 8.
innovative superannuation interest means a superannuation interest, or a component of a superannuation interest, if all benefits in respect of the interest or the component of the interest are provided under:
(a) a contract that meets the standards of subregulation 1.06A(2) of the SIS Regulations; or
(b) the governing rules of an eligible superannuation plan where those rules meet the standards of subregulation 1.06A(2) of the SIS Regulations.
Judges’ Pensions Act Scheme means the scheme constituted by the Judges’ Pensions Act 1968 for the provision of retirement and other benefits to and in respect of Judges, within the meaning of that Act.
lifetime pension: a benefit in respect of a superannuation interest, or a component of a superannuation interest, of a member spouse in an eligible superannuation plan is a lifetime pension of the member spouse if the benefit is payable as a pension for the life of the member spouse.
Note: Section 15 also affects the meaning of lifetime pension.
market linked annuity means an annuity, other than an allocated annuity, that:
(a) is paid from an identifiable lump sum; and
(b) arises under a contract that meets the standards of subregulation 1.05(10) of the SIS Regulations.
market linked pension means a pension, other than an allocated pension, paid from an identifiable lump sum that meets the standards of subregulation 1.06(8) of the SIS Regulations or subregulation 1.07(3A) of the RSA Regulations.
member information statement, for a member of an eligible superannuation plan, means a statement issued periodically to the member by the trustee of the plan that sets out information about the value of the member’s superannuation interest in the plan (for example, the member’s account balance, share in the plan or withdrawal benefit) at a particular date.
member’s retirement age, for a member who has a defined benefit interest in an eligible superannuation plan, means:
(a) subject to paragraphs (b) and (c), the latest retirement age for the member specified in the governing rules of the plan; or
(b) if the latest retirement age for the member specified in the governing rules of the plan is more than 65 years, or no retirement age is specified in the governing rules of the plan—65 years; or
(c) if the Minister has, under section 52, approved a retirement age as the retirement age for members of the plan, or an identifiable class of members of the plan that includes the member—the approved age.
Note: Subsection 52(5) authorises the Minister to approve as the retirement age for members, or an identifiable class of members, who hold a defined benefit interest in an eligible superannuation plan, an age other than:
(a) the retirement age specified in the governing rules of the plan; or
(b) the age of 65 years.
net earnings, for a superannuation interest in a regulated superannuation fund, approved deposit fund or RSA to which the financial product disclosure provisions of the Corporations Regulations 2001 (being the provisions in Part 7.9 of those Regulations) apply, has the meaning given by regulation 7.9.01 of those Regulations.
partially vested accumulation interest has the meaning given by section 10.
payment phase for:
(a) a superannuation interest (other than a small superannuation accounts interest) of a member spouse; or
(b) a component of such an interest;
has the meaning given by section 9.
pension means a pension, within the meaning of section 10 of the SIS Act, payable from an eligible superannuation plan (other than an account within the meaning of the Small Superannuation Accounts Act 1995).
percentage‑only interest has the meaning given by section 11.
public sector superannuation scheme has the same meaning as in the SIS Act.
relevant condition of release has the meaning given by section 19.
relevant date, for the purposes of determining under Part 6 an amount for a superannuation interest that is subject to a payment split, means:
(a) in relation to a payment split under a superannuation agreement or flag lifting agreement:
(i) the date agreed on for that purpose by the parties to the agreement; or
(ii) if no date is agreed on by the parties to the agreement and the agreement is dated—the date shown on the agreement; or
(iii) if no date is agreed on by the parties to the agreement and the agreement is not dated—the date when a copy of the agreement is served on the trustee of the relevant eligible superannuation plan; and
(b) in relation to a payment split under a splitting order—the date determined by the court.
Note: While Part 6 does not expressly apply to payment splits under a superannuation agreement or flag lifting agreement, the parties to the agreement may nevertheless agree to use the methods in Part 6 to determine an amount for the superannuation interest. Paragraph (a) of this definition applies for that case.
RSA Regulations means the Retirement Savings Accounts Regulations 1997.
self managed superannuation fund has the same meaning as in the SIS Act.
SIS Regulations means the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Regulations 1994.
small superannuation accounts interest means a superannuation interest in an account within the meaning of the Small Superannuation Accounts Act 1995.
superannuation annuity has the meaning given by subsection 995‑1(1) of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997.
superannuation contributions surcharge or surcharge means the tax imposed by the Superannuation Contributions Tax Imposition Act 1997.
superannuation fund has the same meaning as in the SIS Act.
unflaggable interest has the meaning given by section 13.
unsplittable interest has the meaning given by section 14.
value of the non‑member spouse’s entitlement has the meaning given by:
(a) in Subdivision B of Division 3 of Part 3—section 25; or
(b) in Subdivision A of Division 4 of Part 3—section 29; or
(c) in Subdivision B of Division 4 of Part 3—section 32; or
(d) in Subdivision C of Division 4 of Part 3—section 35.
withdrawal benefit:
(a) for a member of a regulated superannuation fund, an exempt public sector superannuation scheme or an approved deposit fund, has the meaning given by subregulation 1.03(1) of the SIS Regulations; and
(b) for a member of an RSA, has the meaning given by subregulation 1.03(1) of the RSA Regulations; and
(c) for a member who has a small superannuation accounts interest, means the balance of the member’s account; and
(d) for a member of any other eligible superannuation plan, means the total amount of benefits that would be payable to the member if the member voluntarily ceased to be a member of the plan.
(1) A part of a superannuation interest that a person has as a member of an eligible superannuation plan is a component of the superannuation interest if: (a) the part has distinct features and characteristics; and (b) the part has requirements that must be met before a benefit in respect of the part becomes payable to the member; and (c) the part does not make up the entire superannuation interest. (2) However, a benefit payable in respect of the superannuation interest or a component of the superannuation interest is not itself a component of the superannuation interest.
Note: A component of a superannuation interest that a member has in an eligible superannuation plan is a constituent part of the superannuation interest that gives rise, or may give rise, to an entitlement to a benefit or benefits. A benefit may:
(a) be paid in a range of different forms (for example, a lump sum or a pension); and
(b) become payable upon satisfying particular conditions of release (for example, retirement, resignation, invalidity or death).
Note: Each benefit payable, or potentially payable, is not itself a component.
Note: Example 1: A person has a superannuation interest as a member of an eligible superannuation plan. Under the plan, if the member permanently retires the member becomes entitled to:
(a) in all cases—benefits based on the member’s account balance at the time of retirement; and
(b) if the retirement is not due to invalidity—benefits in the form of a lump sum, or payments from a lifetime pension, calculated by reference to defined benefit factors; and
(c) if the retirement is due to invalidity—benefits in the form of payments from a lifetime pension, calculated by reference to defined benefit factors.
Note: The part of the member’s superannuation interest that gives rise to their entitlement to the benefits mentioned in paragraph (a) is one component of the interest. The part of the member’s superannuation interest that gives rise to their entitlement to the benefits mentioned in paragraph (b) or (c) is another component of the interest. The benefits are not themselves components.
Note: Example 2: A person who has a superannuation interest as a member of an eligible superannuation plan has retired permanently. As a result, the member is entitled to:
(a) benefits paid in the form of a pension drawn from the member’s account balance and commencing at the time of retirement; and
(b) benefits payable in the form of a lifetime pension only if and when the member reaches 80 years of age.
Note: The part of the member’s superannuation interest that gives rise to their entitlement to the benefits mentioned in paragraph (a) is one component of the interest. The part of the member’s superannuation interest that may give rise to their entitlement to the benefits mentioned in paragraph (b) is another component of the interest. The benefits are not themselves components.
(3) Subsections (1) and (2) apply despite any other law.
(1) A defined benefit interest is: (a) a superannuation interest that: (i) a member spouse has in an eligible superannuation plan; and (ii) is an interest in respect of the whole of which the member spouse is entitled, when benefits in respect of the interest become payable, to be paid a benefit that is, or may be, defined by reference to one or more of the amounts or factors mentioned in subsection (3); or (b) a component of a superannuation interest that: (i) a member spouse has in an eligible superannuation plan; and (ii) is a component in respect of which the member spouse is entitled, when benefits in respect of the interest become payable, to be paid a benefit that is, or may be, defined by reference to one or more of the amounts or factors mentioned in subsection (3); or (c) a superannuation interest that: (i) a member spouse has in the scheme provided for by the Australian Defence Force Cover Act 2015; and (ii) is in the payment phase; or (d) a superannuation interest that: (i) a member spouse has in the scheme provided for by Division 3 of Part 1 of Chapter 4 of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia Act 2021; and (ii) is in the payment phase. (2) However, a superannuation interest, or a component of a superannuation interest, is not a defined benefit interest because of paragraph (1)(a) or (b) if: (a) the only benefits payable in respect of the interest or component that are defined by reference to one or more of the amounts or factors mentioned in subsection (3) are benefits payable on death or invalidity; and (b) there are no other circumstances in which benefits payable in respect of the interest or component are, or could have been, defined by reference to the amounts or factors mentioned in subsection (3).
Note 1: This subsection has the effect that paragraphs (1)(a) and (b) do not apply to a superannuation interest or component if defined benefit factors:
(a) are only used to calculate death or invalidity benefits in respect of the interest or component; and
(b) would not be used to calculate benefits in respect of the interest or component that would become payable in other circumstances, such as on age retirement or the termination of employment.
Note 2: However, this subsection does not prevent a superannuation interest or component mentioned in paragraph (1)(c) or (d) being a defined benefit interest for the purposes of this instrument (even if paragraph (1)(a) or (b) could also apply to the superannuation interest or component).
Note: Example 1: Benefits in respect of a superannuation interest of a member spouse are payable on retirement based on the balance of the member’s account. However, on death or invalidity the benefit is to be defined by reference to amounts or factors mentioned in subsection (3). The member retires on invalidity and the benefits that become payable to the member are then defined by reference to those amounts or factors. The superannuation interest is not a defined benefit interest because defined benefit factors only applied, and could only have applied, in the circumstance of the death or invalidity of the member spouse.
Note: Example 2: Benefits in respect of a component of a superannuation interest of a member spouse are payable in a range of circumstances, including death, invalidity or retirement, and are to be defined by reference to amounts or factors mentioned in subsection (3). The component is a defined benefit interest because death or invalidity are not the only circumstances in which defined benefit factors are, or could be, applied to calculate the benefits in respect of the interest.
(3) For the purposes of subsections (1) and (2), the amounts and factors are as follows: (a) the amount of: (i) the member spouse’s salary at the date of the termination of the member spouse’s employment, the date of the member spouse’s retirement, or another date; or (ii) the member spouse’s salary averaged over a period; (b) the amount of salary, or allowance in the nature of salary, payable to another person (for example, a judicial officer, a member of the Commonwealth or a State Parliament, or a member of the Legislative Assembly of a Territory); (c) a specified amount; (d) specified conversion factors.
(1) This section applies to a superannuation interest of a member spouse in any of the following eligible superannuation plans: (a) a regulated superannuation fund; (b) an approved deposit fund; (c) an RSA. (2) The superannuation interest, or a component of the interest, is in the growth phase at a particular date if, at that date, the member spouse satisfies the requirements of subsection (3), (4) or (5). (3) A member spouse satisfies the requirements of this subsection at a particular date if, at that date, the member spouse has not satisfied a relevant condition of release for the superannuation interest or the component of the interest.
Note: For the meaning of satisfies a relevant condition of release, see subsection (6).
(4) A member spouse satisfies the requirements of this subsection at a particular date if, at that date: (a) the member spouse has satisfied a relevant condition of release for the superannuation interest or the component of the interest; but (b) no benefit has been paid in respect of the superannuation interest or the component of the interest, and no action has been taken by or for the member spouse under the governing rules of the plan to cash any benefit that the member spouse is entitled to be paid as a result of satisfying the condition of release.
Note: For the meaning of satisfies a relevant condition of release, see subsection (6).
(5) A member spouse satisfies the requirements of this subsection at a particular date if, at that date: (a) the member spouse has satisfied a relevant condition of release for the superannuation interest or the component of the interest; and (b) a benefit (other than a benefit that is paid as a pension) has been paid in respect of the superannuation interest or the component of the interest to or for the benefit of: (i) the member spouse; or (ii) if the member spouse has died—the member spouse’s legal personal representative; but no action has been taken by or for the member spouse, or that representative, under the governing rules of the plan to receive any other benefit that the member spouse, or the member spouse’s estate, is entitled to be paid as a result of satisfying the condition of release. Meaning of satisfies a relevant condition of release (6) For the purposes of this section, a member spouse satisfies a relevant condition of release at a date for a superannuation interest, or a component of a superannuation interest, if at that date: (a) if the superannuation interest is in a regulated superannuation fund—a condition of release mentioned in item 101, 102, 102A, 103, 106 or 108 of Schedule 1 to the SIS Regulations is satisfied; or (b) if the superannuation interest is in an approved deposit fund—a condition of release mentioned in item 201, 202, 202A, 203 or 206 of Schedule 1 to the SIS Regulations is satisfied; or (c) if the superannuation interest is in an RSA—a condition of release mentioned in item 101, 102, 102A, 103, 106 or 107 of Schedule 2 to the RSA Regulations is satisfied.
(1) This section applies to a superannuation interest of a member spouse in any of the following eligible superannuation plans: (a) a superannuation annuity; (b) a superannuation fund other than a regulated superannuation fund. (2) The superannuation interest, or a component of the interest, is in the growth phase at a particular date if, at that date: (a) a releasing event has not occurred for the member spouse for the superannuation interest or the component of the interest; or (b) a releasing event has occurred for the member spouse for the superannuation interest or the component of the interest, but no action has been taken by or for the member spouse under the governing rules of the plan to receive any benefit that the member spouse is entitled to be paid as a result of the occurrence of the releasing event; or (c) a releasing event has occurred for the member spouse for the superannuation interest or the component of the interest, and a benefit (other than a benefit that is paid as a pension) has been paid to or for the benefit of: (i) the member spouse; or (ii) if the member spouse has died—the member spouse’s legal personal representative; but no action has been taken by or for the member spouse, or that legal personal representative, under the governing rules of the plan to receive any other benefit that the member spouse, or the member spouse’s estate, is entitled to be paid as a result of the occurrence of the releasing event. Meaning of releasing event (3) For the purposes of this section, a releasing event has occurred for a member spouse at a particular date for a superannuation interest, or a component of a superannuation interest, if at that date: (a) the member spouse has retired; or (b) the member spouse has died; or (c) the member spouse has a terminal medical condition (as defined in regulation 6.01A of the SIS Regulations); or (d) as a result of the member spouse’s ill health (whether physical or mental), the member spouse: (i) has ceased to be gainfully employed (including if the member spouse has ceased temporarily to receive any gain or reward under a continuing arrangement for the member spouse to be gainfully employed); and (ii) is unlikely, because of the ill health, ever again to engage in gainful employment for which the member spouse is reasonably qualified by education, training or experience; or (e) the member spouse has turned 65 years; or (f) in the case of a member spouse for whom: (i) the member spouse’s employer; or (ii) one or more associates (within the meaning of section 12 of the SIS Act) of the member spouse’s employer; has contributed to the member spouse’s eligible superannuation plan in relation to the superannuation interest—the member spouse has ceased the member spouse’s employment with that employer.
Either: (a) a superannuation interest (other than a small superannuation accounts interest) of a member spouse in an eligible superannuation plan; or (b) a component of such a superannuation interest; is in the payment phase at a particular date if it is not in the growth phase at that date.
(1) An accumulation interest that a member spouse has as a member of an eligible superannuation plan is a partially vested accumulation interest if subsection (2) or (3) applies in relation to the interest. (2) This subsection applies in relation to the superannuation interest if the withdrawal benefit in relation to the member spouse on a particular day is less than the total amount notionally or actually allocated to the member spouse on that day, except if the withdrawal benefit is less than that notional or actual amount because of any of the following reasons: (a) the trustee of the plan has been assessed to be liable to pay superannuation contributions surcharge in respect of the member spouse, and the trustee has not debited the amount notionally or actually allocated to the member spouse in respect of that liability; (b) insurance costs have been charged against the member spouse’s benefits in the plan; (c) any other fees, taxes or charges will be charged against the member spouse’s benefits when the member spouse ceases to be a member of the plan. (3) This subsection applies in relation to the superannuation interest if the benefits to which the member spouse is or may be entitled, on voluntarily ceasing to be a member of the eligible superannuation plan, may include an additional benefit that is calculated by reference to the amount that has been credited, under the governing rules of the plan, to the member spouse in respect of contributions that have been made by, or in respect of, the member spouse.
(1) For the purposes of the definitions of percentage‑only interest in sections 90XD and 90YD of the Act, each of the following superannuation interests is prescribed: (a) a superannuation interest in the scheme constituted by the Judges’ Pensions Act 1953 (NSW); (b) a superannuation interest in the scheme constituted by the Judges (Pensions and Long Leave) Act 1957 (Qld); (c) a superannuation interest in the scheme constituted by the Governors (Salary and Pensions) Act 2003 (Qld); (d) a superannuation interest in the scheme constituted by the Judges’ Contributory Pensions Act 1968 (Tas); (e) a superannuation interest in a superannuation annuity. (2) However, the superannuation interest is not prescribed as a percentage‑only interest if it is covered by an item of the following table and immediately before the relevant day mentioned in that item: (a) either: (i) the interest is covered by a superannuation agreement or a flag lifting agreement that is in force and provides for a payment split; or (ii) the interest is an interest to which subsection 90XJ(5) or 90YN(5) of the Act applies; or (b) the interest is covered by a splitting order; or (c) the non‑member spouse has served a waiver notice on the trustee under section 90XZA or 90YZQ of the Act in respect of the interest.
<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" style="width:100%; border-collapse:collapse"><thead><tr><td colspan="3" style="border-top:1.5pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.4pt; padding-left:5.4pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="TableHeading"><span>When the superannuation interest is not a </span><span style="font-style:italic">percentage</span><span style="font-style:italic">‑</span><span style="font-style:italic">only interest</span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="width:8.58%; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:1.5pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.4pt; padding-left:5.4pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="TableHeading"><span>Item</span></p></td><td style="width:49.34%; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:1.5pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.4pt; padding-left:5.4pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="TableHeading"><span>If the superannuation interest is covered by:</span></p></td><td style="width:42.08%; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:1.5pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.4pt; padding-left:5.4pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="TableHeading"><span>the relevant day is:</span></p></td></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td style="width:8.58%; border-top:1.5pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.4pt; padding-left:5.4pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext"><span>1</span></p></td><td style="width:49.34%; border-top:1.5pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.4pt; padding-left:5.4pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext"><span>paragraph</span><span> </span><span>(1)(b) of this section</span></p></td><td style="width:42.08%; border-top:1.5pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.4pt; padding-left:5.4pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext"><span>3</span><span> </span><span>September 2003</span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="width:8.58%; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:1.5pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.4pt; padding-left:5.4pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext"><span>2</span></p></td><td style="width:49.34%; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:1.5pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.4pt; padding-left:5.4pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext"><span>paragraph</span><span> </span><span>(1)(d) of this section</span></p></td><td style="width:42.08%; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:1.5pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.4pt; padding-left:5.4pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext"><span>2</span><span> </span><span>May 2003</span></p></td></tr></tbody></table>
(3) Subsection (2) applies only in relation to the agreement, order or notice. (4) A reference in subsection (1) to an Act of a State or Territory is a reference to that Act as in force on 1 April 2025.
(1) For the purposes of paragraph (b) of the definitions of trustee in sections 90XD and 90YD of the Act, each of the persons mentioned in an item of the following table is identified as a trustee of the eligible superannuation plan mentioned in that item.
<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" style="width:100%; border-collapse:collapse"><thead><tr><td colspan="3" style="border-top:1.5pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.4pt; padding-left:5.4pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="TableHeading"><span>Persons identified as a trustee of an eligible superannuation plan</span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="width:8.58%; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:1.5pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.4pt; padding-left:5.4pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="TableHeading"><span>Item</span></p></td><td style="width:54.46%; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:1.5pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.4pt; padding-left:5.4pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="TableHeading"><span>Each of these persons is identified as a trustee:</span></p></td><td style="width:36.96%; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:1.5pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.4pt; padding-left:5.4pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="TableHeading"><span>of this plan:</span></p></td></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td style="width:8.58%; border-top:1.5pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.4pt; padding-left:5.4pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext"><span>1</span></p></td><td style="width:54.46%; border-top:1.5pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.4pt; padding-left:5.4pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tablea"><span>(a) the General Manager of Fair Work Australia, for a member of the Scheme who is:</span></p><p class="Tablei"><span>(i) the President (or a former President) of Fair Work Australia; or</span></p><p class="Tablei"><span>(ii) a Deputy President (or a former Deputy President) of Fair Work Australia who was a Presidential Member of the Australian Industrial Relations Commission; or</span></p><p class="Tablei"><span>(iii) a former Presidential Member of the Australian Industrial Relations Commission; or</span></p><p class="Tablei"><span>(iv) a spouse of a person mentioned in subparagraph</span><span> </span><span>(i), (ii), or (iii);</span></p><p class="Tablea"><span>(b) for any other member of the Scheme—the Secretary of the Department of Finance</span></p></td><td style="width:36.96%; border-top:1.5pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.4pt; padding-left:5.4pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext"><span>the Judges’ Pensions Act Scheme.</span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="width:8.58%; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.4pt; padding-left:5.4pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext"><span>2</span></p></td><td style="width:54.46%; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.4pt; padding-left:5.4pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext"><span>the Parliamentary Retiring Allowances Trust established under the </span><span style="font-style:italic">Parliamentary Contributory Superannuation Act 1948</span></p></td><td style="width:36.96%; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.4pt; padding-left:5.4pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext"><span>the scheme constituted by the </span><span style="font-style:italic">Parliamentary Contributory Superannuation Act 1948</span><span>.</span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="width:8.58%; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.4pt; padding-left:5.4pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext"><span>3</span></p></td><td style="width:54.46%; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.4pt; padding-left:5.4pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext"><span>an RSA provider (within the meaning of the </span><span style="font-style:italic">Retirement Savings Accounts Act 1997</span><span>) that has accepted contributions to an RSA</span></p></td><td style="width:36.96%; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.4pt; padding-left:5.4pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext"><span>that RSA.</span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="width:8.58%; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.4pt; padding-left:5.4pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext"><span>4</span></p></td><td style="width:54.46%; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.4pt; padding-left:5.4pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext"><span>the Commissioner of Taxation</span></p></td><td style="width:36.96%; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.4pt; padding-left:5.4pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext"><span>an account (within the meaning of the </span><span style="font-style:italic">Small Superannuation Accounts Act 1995</span><span>).</span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="width:8.58%; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.4pt; padding-left:5.4pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext"><span>5</span></p></td><td style="width:54.46%; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.4pt; padding-left:5.4pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext"><span>an annuity provider that has entered into a contract with a person to provide a superannuation annuity to that person</span></p></td><td style="width:36.96%; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.4pt; padding-left:5.4pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext"><span>that superannuation annuity.</span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="width:8.58%; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.4pt; padding-left:5.4pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext"><span>6</span></p></td><td style="width:54.46%; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.4pt; padding-left:5.4pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext"><span>CSC (within the meaning of the </span><span style="font-style:italic">Governance of</span><span> </span><span style="font-style:italic">Australian Government Superannuation Schemes Act 2011</span><span>)</span></p></td><td style="width:36.96%; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.4pt; padding-left:5.4pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext"><span>the scheme constituted by the </span><span style="font-style:italic">Defence Force (Superannuation) (Productivity Benefit) Determination</span><span style="font-style:italic"> </span><span style="font-style:italic">1988</span><span> made under subsection</span><span> </span><span>52(1) of the </span><span style="font-style:italic">Defence Act 1903</span><span>.</span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="width:8.58%; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:1.5pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.4pt; padding-left:5.4pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext"><span>7</span></p></td><td style="width:54.46%; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:1.5pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.4pt; padding-left:5.4pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext"><span>the Secretary of the Department of Finance</span></p></td><td style="width:36.96%; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:1.5pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.4pt; padding-left:5.4pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tablea"><span>(a) the scheme constituted by the </span><span style="font-style:italic">Governor</span><span style="font-style:italic">‑</span><span style="font-style:italic">General Act 1974</span><span>; or</span></p><p class="Tablea"><span>(b) the scheme provided for by Division</span><span> </span><span>3 of Part</span><span> </span><span>1 of Chapter</span><span> </span><span>4 of the </span><span style="font-style:italic">Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia Act 2021</span><span>.</span></p></td></tr></tbody></table>
(2) In this section:
Department of Finance means the Department administered by the Minister administering the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013.
Presidential Member means the President, a Vice President, a Senior Deputy President or a Deputy President of the Australian Industrial Relations Commission.
For the purposes of the definitions of unflaggable interest in sections 90XD and 90YD of the Act, a superannuation interest of a member spouse that is in the payment phase is prescribed.
(1) For the purposes of the definitions of unsplittable interest in sections 90XD and 90YD of the Act, a superannuation interest of a member spouse is prescribed if the superannuation interest: (a) is covered by subsection (2) or (3) of this section; and (b) is none of the following: (i) a superannuation interest in the scheme provided under the Judges’ Pensions Act 1971 (SA) as in force on 1 April 2025; (ii) a superannuation interest in the scheme constituted by the Parliamentary Contributory Superannuation Act 1948.
Note: Prescribing these superannuation interests makes them unsplittable interests. An unsplittable interest cannot be the subject of a payment split under a superannuation agreement, flag lifting agreement or splitting order (see Part VIIIB or VIIIC of the Act).
(2) This subsection covers a superannuation interest of a member spouse that is an interest in respect of which: (a) the whole or remaining part of the benefits are being paid to the member spouse as: (i) a lifetime pension or fixed‑term pension that the member is no longer entitled to commute; or (ii) a lifetime annuity or fixed term annuity; and (b) the amount of the annual benefit payable to the member is less than $4,000. (3) This subsection covers a superannuation interest of a member spouse that: (a) is not an interest to which paragraph (2)(a) applies; and (b) is an interest with a withdrawal benefit in relation to the member spouse of less than $10,000. (4) To avoid doubt, a superannuation interest not covered by this section is not an unsplittable interest only because payments in respect of the interest are not splittable payments.
To avoid doubt, a benefit in respect of a superannuation interest, or a component of a superannuation interest, of a member spouse in an eligible superannuation plan that is paid as a pension is not prevented from being a lifetime pension of the member spouse, or a pension payable for the life of a member spouse, merely because: (a) the benefit is paid upon the retirement of the member spouse (including retirement on the basis of invalidity); and (b) under the governing rules of the plan, the payments may be varied (including by being reduced to nil), suspended or cancelled.
(1) Each of the payments mentioned in subsection (2) in respect of a superannuation interest of the member spouse: (a) is prescribed for the purposes of subsection 90XE(2) and 90YG(2) of the Act; and (b) as a result, is not a splittable payment for the purposes of all payment splits in respect of the superannuation interest.
Note: The payment will not be a splittable payment generally, rather than only not being a splittable payment for a particular payment split (see subsection 90XE(2) or 90YG(2) of the Act).
(2) The payments are as follows: (a) a payment of benefits to the member spouse that is made following a determination, under subregulation 6.19A(1) of the SIS Regulations or subregulation 4.22A(1) of the RSA Regulations, that a condition of release of the benefits on a compassionate ground has been satisfied; (b) a payment to the member spouse that is made because the member spouse is taken to be in severe financial hardship; (c) a pension payment to the member spouse that is paid on the basis of temporary incapacity (within the meaning of regulation 6.01 of the SIS Regulations), other than a payment that is: (i) one of a series of payments of that kind that have been paid to the member spouse for a period of at least 2 years and is made more than 2 years after the first such payment of that series; or (ii) a payment to which paragraph (g) of this subsection applies; or (iii) a payment from a lifetime pension; (d) if the superannuation interest is in a superannuation fund that is not a regulated superannuation fund—a payment to the member spouse that is made on compassionate grounds as provided by the governing rules of the plan; (e) if the superannuation interest is in a superannuation annuity that is a deferred annuity—a payment to the member spouse that is made on compassionate grounds under a term of the annuity; (f) if the superannuation interest is in the superannuation scheme constituted by the Superannuation Act 1976 or the Superannuation Act 1990—a payment to the member spouse that is made: (i) during any period in which the member spouse’s health is being assessed for the purpose of determining the member spouse’s eligibility for payment on the ground that the member spouse is totally and permanently incapacitated; or (ii) because the member spouse’s salary or other remuneration, or hours of employment, have been reduced because of ill health; (g) if the superannuation interest is in the superannuation scheme continued in existence by the Superannuation (State Public Sector) Act 1990 (Qld)—a pension payment to the member spouse that is: (i) an income protection benefit paid under section 50 of the Participation Schedule; or (ii) an incapacity benefit to which the member spouse is entitled under paragraph 136(b) of the Participation Schedule; or (iii) an incapacity pension to which the member spouse is entitled under paragraph 199(b) of the Participation Schedule;
Note: In 2025, the scheme continued in existence by the Superannuation (State Public Sector) Act 1990 (Qld) was known as the Australian Retirement Trust.
(h) if the superannuation interest is in an account (within the meaning of the Small Superannuation Accounts Act 1995)—a payment to the member spouse from the account, if:
(i) in accordance with a superannuation agreement, flag lifting agreement or splitting order that has been served on the trustee of the account, the trustee has opened a separate account under the Small Superannuation Accounts Act 1995 for the non‑member spouse, and has transferred an amount from the member spouse’s account to that separate account; and
(ii) but for the operation of this paragraph, the non‑member spouse would have been entitled to be paid an amount in respect of the payment.
(3) In this section:
Government Division Rules means the Division Rules:
(a) within the meaning of the trust deed, as existing on 1 April 2025, that governs the scheme continued in existence under section 5 of the Superannuation (State Public Sector) Act 1990 (Qld); and
(b) as in force on 1 April 2025;
that relate to the Government Division referred to in clause 2.1 of that deed.
Participation Schedule means the part of the Government Division Rules known as the Participation Schedule.
severe financial hardship has the meaning given by subregulation 6.01(5) of the SIS Regulations.
(1) Each of the payments mentioned in subsection (2) made after the death of a member spouse in respect of a superannuation interest of the member spouse: (a) is prescribed for the purposes of subsection 90XE(2) and 90YG(2) of the Act; and (b) as a result, is not a splittable payment for the purposes of all payment splits in respect of the superannuation interest.
Note: The payment will not be a splittable payment generally, rather than only not being a splittable payment for a particular payment split (see subsection 90XE(2) or 90YG(2) of the Act).
(2) The payments are as follows: (a) a payment to a reversionary beneficiary who is a child in relation to the member spouse if, at the date of the payment, the child has not turned 18; (b) a payment to a reversionary beneficiary who is a child in relation to the member spouse if: (i) immediately before the death of the member spouse, the child was dependent on the member spouse; and (ii) at the date of the payment, the child has turned 18; and (iii) the payment is made to enable the child to complete the child’s education or, if the child has special needs because of a physical or intellectual disability, to provide maintenance and meet expenses in respect of those needs; (c) a payment to a reversionary beneficiary for the benefit of a child in relation to the member spouse, if the requirements of paragraph (a) or (b) are satisfied in relation to the child and the payment. (3) In this section:
child, in relation to a member spouse who has a superannuation interest in an eligible superannuation plan, means:
(a) a child of the member spouse, within the meaning of section 60F of the Act; or
(b) a child of the member spouse under the governing rules of the plan; or
(c) a child who has been determined by the trustee of the plan, under the governing rules of the plan, to be a child of the member spouse; or
(d) a child for whom the member spouse had, at the time of the member spouse’s death, responsibility for the day‑to‑day care, welfare and development under:
(i) an order under Part VII of the Act; or
(ii) an order under Part 5 of the Family Court Act 1997 (WA) as in force on 1 April 2025; or
(iii) an order under a corresponding law of a foreign country.
Sourced from the Federal Register of Legislation (legislation.gov.au), CC BY 4.0.
This instrument is the Family Law (Superannuation) Regulations 2025.
(1) Each provision of this instrument specified in column 1 of the table commences, or is taken to have commenced, in accordance with column 2 of the table. Any other statement in column 2 has effect according to its terms.
<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" style="width:100%; border-collapse:collapse"><thead><tr><td colspan="3" style="border-top:1.5pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="TableHeading"><span>Commencement information</span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="width:25.44%; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="TableHeading"><span>Column 1</span></p></td><td style="width:52.54%; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="TableHeading"><span>Column 2</span></p></td><td style="width:22.02%; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="TableHeading"><span>Column 3</span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="width:25.44%; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:1.5pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="TableHeading"><span>Provisions</span></p></td><td style="width:52.54%; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:1.5pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="TableHeading"><span>Commencement</span></p></td><td style="width:22.02%; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:1.5pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="TableHeading"><span>Date/Details</span></p></td></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td style="width:25.44%; border-top:1.5pt solid #000000; border-bottom:1.5pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext"><span>1.</span><span> </span><span>The whole of this instrument</span></p></td><td style="width:52.54%; border-top:1.5pt solid #000000; border-bottom:1.5pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext"><span>1</span><span> </span><span>April 2025.</span></p></td><td style="width:22.02%; border-top:1.5pt solid #000000; border-bottom:1.5pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext"><span>1</span><span> </span><span>April 2025</span></p></td></tr></tbody></table>
Note: This table relates only to the provisions of this instrument as originally made. It will not be amended to deal with any later amendments of this instrument.
(2) Any information in column 3 of the table is not part of this instrument. Information may be inserted in this column, or information in it may be edited, in any published version of this instrument.
This instrument is made under the Family Law Act 1975.
Note: Expressions used in this instrument have the same meaning as in the Act (see paragraph 13(1)(b) of the Legislation Act 2003). Some examples are the following, which are defined in Part VIIIB or VIIIC of the Act:
(a) eligible superannuation plan;
(b) member spouse;
(c) non‑member spouse;
(d) operative time;
(e) payment flag;
(f) payment split;
(g) superannuation interest.
In this instrument:
accumulation interest means a superannuation interest, or a component of a superannuation interest, that is not a defined benefit interest or a small superannuation accounts interest.
Act means the Family Law Act 1975.
adjusted base amount applicable to the non‑member spouse, for a superannuation interest at a particular date, has the meaning given by section 73.
allocated annuity means an annuity that is paid, within a range of minimum and maximum payments, from an identifiable lump sum and includes an annuity that arises under a contract that meets the standards of subregulation 1.05(4) of the SIS Regulations.
allocated pension means a pension paid, within a range of minimum and maximum payments, from an identifiable lump sum, including:
(a) a pension provided under rules of a superannuation fund that meet the standards of subregulation 1.06(4) of the SIS Regulations; and
(b) a pension provided under terms and conditions of an RSA that meet the standards of subregulation 1.07(2) of the RSA Regulations.
annuity provider means a person, body or organisation that has entered into a contract to provide an annuity.
applicable adjustment period, for a superannuation interest, has the meaning given by section 74 or 75.
base amount, for a superannuation interest, means:
(a) if the interest is identified in a superannuation agreement or flag lifting agreement:
(i) the monetary amount specified in the agreement in relation to the interest for the purposes of subparagraph 90XJ(1)(c)(i) or 90YN(1)(c)(i) of the Act, rounded up or down to the nearest dollar (with 50 cents being rounded up); or
(ii) the monetary amount calculated using a method specified in the agreement for the purposes of subparagraph 90XJ(1)(c)(ii) or 90YN(1)(c)(ii) of the Act, rounded up or down to the nearest dollar (with 50 cents being rounded up); and
(b) if a splitting order applies for the interest—the monetary amount allocated to the non‑member spouse by the court under subsection 90XT(4) or 90YY(5) of the Act, rounded up or down to the nearest dollar (with 50 cents being rounded up).
component of a superannuation interest has the meaning given by section 5.
constitutionally protected fund has the meaning given by subsection 995‑1(1) of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997.
deferred annuity means an annuity that is not presently payable.
defined benefit interest has the meaning given by section 6.
exempt public sector superannuation scheme has the same meaning as in the SIS Act.
fixed term annuity means an annuity that:
(a) is not a market linked annuity; and
(b) is paid for a fixed period.
growth phase for:
(a) a superannuation interest (other than a small superannuation accounts interest) of a member spouse; or
(b) a component of such an interest;
has the meaning given by section 7 or 8.
innovative superannuation interest means a superannuation interest, or a component of a superannuation interest, if all benefits in respect of the interest or the component of the interest are provided under:
(a) a contract that meets the standards of subregulation 1.06A(2) of the SIS Regulations; or
(b) the governing rules of an eligible superannuation plan where those rules meet the standards of subregulation 1.06A(2) of the SIS Regulations.
Judges’ Pensions Act Scheme means the scheme constituted by the Judges’ Pensions Act 1968 for the provision of retirement and other benefits to and in respect of Judges, within the meaning of that Act.
lifetime pension: a benefit in respect of a superannuation interest, or a component of a superannuation interest, of a member spouse in an eligible superannuation plan is a lifetime pension of the member spouse if the benefit is payable as a pension for the life of the member spouse.
Note: Section 15 also affects the meaning of lifetime pension.
market linked annuity means an annuity, other than an allocated annuity, that:
(a) is paid from an identifiable lump sum; and
(b) arises under a contract that meets the standards of subregulation 1.05(10) of the SIS Regulations.
market linked pension means a pension, other than an allocated pension, paid from an identifiable lump sum that meets the standards of subregulation 1.06(8) of the SIS Regulations or subregulation 1.07(3A) of the RSA Regulations.
member information statement, for a member of an eligible superannuation plan, means a statement issued periodically to the member by the trustee of the plan that sets out information about the value of the member’s superannuation interest in the plan (for example, the member’s account balance, share in the plan or withdrawal benefit) at a particular date.
member’s retirement age, for a member who has a defined benefit interest in an eligible superannuation plan, means:
(a) subject to paragraphs (b) and (c), the latest retirement age for the member specified in the governing rules of the plan; or
(b) if the latest retirement age for the member specified in the governing rules of the plan is more than 65 years, or no retirement age is specified in the governing rules of the plan—65 years; or
(c) if the Minister has, under section 52, approved a retirement age as the retirement age for members of the plan, or an identifiable class of members of the plan that includes the member—the approved age.
Note: Subsection 52(5) authorises the Minister to approve as the retirement age for members, or an identifiable class of members, who hold a defined benefit interest in an eligible superannuation plan, an age other than:
(a) the retirement age specified in the governing rules of the plan; or
(b) the age of 65 years.
net earnings, for a superannuation interest in a regulated superannuation fund, approved deposit fund or RSA to which the financial product disclosure provisions of the Corporations Regulations 2001 (being the provisions in Part 7.9 of those Regulations) apply, has the meaning given by regulation 7.9.01 of those Regulations.
partially vested accumulation interest has the meaning given by section 10.
payment phase for:
(a) a superannuation interest (other than a small superannuation accounts interest) of a member spouse; or
(b) a component of such an interest;
has the meaning given by section 9.
pension means a pension, within the meaning of section 10 of the SIS Act, payable from an eligible superannuation plan (other than an account within the meaning of the Small Superannuation Accounts Act 1995).
percentage‑only interest has the meaning given by section 11.
public sector superannuation scheme has the same meaning as in the SIS Act.
relevant condition of release has the meaning given by section 19.
relevant date, for the purposes of determining under Part 6 an amount for a superannuation interest that is subject to a payment split, means:
(a) in relation to a payment split under a superannuation agreement or flag lifting agreement:
(i) the date agreed on for that purpose by the parties to the agreement; or
(ii) if no date is agreed on by the parties to the agreement and the agreement is dated—the date shown on the agreement; or
(iii) if no date is agreed on by the parties to the agreement and the agreement is not dated—the date when a copy of the agreement is served on the trustee of the relevant eligible superannuation plan; and
(b) in relation to a payment split under a splitting order—the date determined by the court.
Note: While Part 6 does not expressly apply to payment splits under a superannuation agreement or flag lifting agreement, the parties to the agreement may nevertheless agree to use the methods in Part 6 to determine an amount for the superannuation interest. Paragraph (a) of this definition applies for that case.
RSA Regulations means the Retirement Savings Accounts Regulations 1997.
self managed superannuation fund has the same meaning as in the SIS Act.
SIS Regulations means the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Regulations 1994.
small superannuation accounts interest means a superannuation interest in an account within the meaning of the Small Superannuation Accounts Act 1995.
superannuation annuity has the meaning given by subsection 995‑1(1) of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997.
superannuation contributions surcharge or surcharge means the tax imposed by the Superannuation Contributions Tax Imposition Act 1997.
superannuation fund has the same meaning as in the SIS Act.
unflaggable interest has the meaning given by section 13.
unsplittable interest has the meaning given by section 14.
value of the non‑member spouse’s entitlement has the meaning given by:
(a) in Subdivision B of Division 3 of Part 3—section 25; or
(b) in Subdivision A of Division 4 of Part 3—section 29; or
(c) in Subdivision B of Division 4 of Part 3—section 32; or
(d) in Subdivision C of Division 4 of Part 3—section 35.
withdrawal benefit:
(a) for a member of a regulated superannuation fund, an exempt public sector superannuation scheme or an approved deposit fund, has the meaning given by subregulation 1.03(1) of the SIS Regulations; and
(b) for a member of an RSA, has the meaning given by subregulation 1.03(1) of the RSA Regulations; and
(c) for a member who has a small superannuation accounts interest, means the balance of the member’s account; and
(d) for a member of any other eligible superannuation plan, means the total amount of benefits that would be payable to the member if the member voluntarily ceased to be a member of the plan.
(1) A part of a superannuation interest that a person has as a member of an eligible superannuation plan is a component of the superannuation interest if: (a) the part has distinct features and characteristics; and (b) the part has requirements that must be met before a benefit in respect of the part becomes payable to the member; and (c) the part does not make up the entire superannuation interest. (2) However, a benefit payable in respect of the superannuation interest or a component of the superannuation interest is not itself a component of the superannuation interest.
Note: A component of a superannuation interest that a member has in an eligible superannuation plan is a constituent part of the superannuation interest that gives rise, or may give rise, to an entitlement to a benefit or benefits. A benefit may:
(a) be paid in a range of different forms (for example, a lump sum or a pension); and
(b) become payable upon satisfying particular conditions of release (for example, retirement, resignation, invalidity or death).
Note: Each benefit payable, or potentially payable, is not itself a component.
Note: Example 1: A person has a superannuation interest as a member of an eligible superannuation plan. Under the plan, if the member permanently retires the member becomes entitled to:
(a) in all cases—benefits based on the member’s account balance at the time of retirement; and
(b) if the retirement is not due to invalidity—benefits in the form of a lump sum, or payments from a lifetime pension, calculated by reference to defined benefit factors; and
(c) if the retirement is due to invalidity—benefits in the form of payments from a lifetime pension, calculated by reference to defined benefit factors.
Note: The part of the member’s superannuation interest that gives rise to their entitlement to the benefits mentioned in paragraph (a) is one component of the interest. The part of the member’s superannuation interest that gives rise to their entitlement to the benefits mentioned in paragraph (b) or (c) is another component of the interest. The benefits are not themselves components.
Note: Example 2: A person who has a superannuation interest as a member of an eligible superannuation plan has retired permanently. As a result, the member is entitled to:
(a) benefits paid in the form of a pension drawn from the member’s account balance and commencing at the time of retireme
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