Better Super Outcomes for First Nations Peoples

AustralianSuper aims for all members to achieve their best financial position in retirement. That’s why they support and advocate for making the superannuation system fairer for everyone. 

To help super be super for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, AustralianSuper has a range of initiatives and programs to improve financial inclusion and access to super for First Nations members. 

Super made easy videos 

AustralianSuper, together with the Indigenous Consumer Assistance Network (ICAN) and the First Nations Foundation, produced a series of helpful videos. These videos include the basics of superannuation explained in simple terms, with supporting images on-screen to help make it easier to understand the key concepts and messages.

Outreach program support 

Some First Nations members may find it hard to engage with super due to distance, technology or cultural reasons. That’s why AustralianSuper has an outreach program where staff travel to remote areas to directly help members with super admin, answer questions and provide education about superannuation.

Dedicated phone line for First Nations members

AustralianSuper was the first super fund in Australia to offer a dedicated option in its phone system for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members. The phone line has culturally trained staff who provide a more knowledgeable and efficient experience. The line takes over 3000 calls a month. It also has a service for booking an interpreter to support members in a variety of First Nations languages.

There’s also a dedicated team within AustralianSuper’s Bereavement Centre which has been given cultural training to help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members with Sorry Business, which is when someone has passed away.

Paid internships

Since 2019, AustralianSuper has partnered with Career Trackers, a program which links First Nations university students with employers for paid internships during their summer or winter breaks. The students spend a few months at AustralianSuper working in teams aligned to their studies, and have the opportunity to return the following year to continue their placement. This helps them to build their experience in areas they’re passionate about.

Radio programs 

Six radio programs have been created which aim to simplify super and insurance for First Nations peoples. These were also translated and played on CAAMA Radio in a First Nations language. They were made in partnership with the Central Australian Aboriginal Media Agency (CAAMA), which is Australia’s largest Aboriginal media organisation.

First Nations resources page

In response to requests from members, AustralianSuper created a web page with useful resources and superannuation information for First Nations members and financial counsellors. The page includes links to videos, radio programs and various forms including the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples identification form.

Call to action

Read more at First Nations | AustralianSuper

Disclaimers

Sponsored by AustralianSuper Pty Ltd, ABN 94 006 457 987, AFSL 233788, Trustee of AustralianSuper ABN 65 714 394 898. 

Any general advice provided in this article is provided under the AFSL held by AustralianSuper, it does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. Before making a decision, consider if the information is right for you and refer to the relevant Product Disclosure Statement, available at australiansuper.com/PDS or by calling 1300 300 273. A Target Market Determination (TMD) is a document that outlines the target market a product has been designed for. Find the TMDs at australiansuper.com/TMD.

¹ The Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia Limited (ASFA), Superannuation balances of First Nations individuals, July 2024. Data extracted for ASFA from the HILDA data base.