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Outlook> 2006
> November
It's been a super year for workers
AUSTRALIAN workers have made the most of the Government's new
superannuation co-contribution scheme in its first year of operation.
"The first full year of the expanded superannuation co-contribution
scheme has been a stunning success," the Minister for Revenue and
Assistant Treasurer, Peter Dutton, has announced.
"I am delighted to announce that the Government has made 1,162,730
co-contribution payments worth a total of $934,127,510 in respect of
the 2004/05 financial year."
"Australian workers have embraced the Government's "helping hand" to
build their nest eggs," the Minister said. "The average size of the
Government's co-contribution payment for the year was $803 - that's a
big incentive for low and middle income workers to put some money away
for retirement."
"And there's more to come," the Minister said. "From July 1, 2007 the
self employed will become eligible for the co-contribution for the
first time, giving small business people on low and middle incomes the
same helping hand to build their super".
"Australian women have continued their strong support for the
co-contribution scheme, with 669,246 women sharing in co-contribution
payments worth $585,684,293 over the year."
Under the expanded superannuation co-contribution scheme, the
Government contributes $1.50 for every $1 of after-tax superannuation
contributions made by employees earning up to $28,000, up to a maximum
co-contribution of $1500. The co-contribution phases out for employees
earning more than $58,000.
The Minister encouraged all employees who would be eligible for a
co-contribution payment this year to consider saving in superannuation.
"Combined with the generational changes announced in the Budget to
simplify and streamline superannuation, there has never been a better
time in our history for workers to build their retirement nest egg." |