Superannuation Choice

Employers must supply new employees with a standard choice form within 28 days of them commencing employment if they are eligible.

If an employee decides to choose an alternative fund to the one the club currently pays their contribution into, the club has two months to direct superannuation contributions to that fund.

Generally, workers will be eligible for choice if they are employed under a Federal award such as the Licensed Clubs, Managers & Secretaries or Sportsground Maintenance Awards. Keep in mind that due to the introduction of the common rule of Federal awards in January 2005, all Victorian workers employed by clubs, with some exceptions, have fallen under a Federal award.

Employees are generally not eligible if they are employed under an AWA or a certified agreement that specifies a fund for contributions to be paid into.

It is important for managers to remember that they are not in a position to offer advice to staff in relation to which superannuation fund they should choose. Only registered financial advisors can provide this advice, and there could be serious consequences if club personnel recommend employees to direct their super into a particular fund.

If you are still finding super choice difficult to understand, contact ClubsVIC on 9349 2909.