SUPERANNUATION.
No. 19 of 1956.
An Act to amend the Superannuation Act 1922–1955.
[Assented to 12th May, 1956.]
BE it enacted by the Queen’s Most Excellent Majesty, the Senate, and the House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Australia, for the purpose of appropriating the grant originated in the House of Representatives, as follows:—
Short title and citation
1.—(1.) This Act may be cited as the Superannuation Act 1956.
(2.) The Superannuation Act 1922–1955, as amended by this Act, may be cited as the Superannuation Act 1922–1956.
Commencement.
2. This Act shall be deemed to have come into operation on the twelfth day of November, One thousand nine hundred and fifty-five.
Further increases in certain pensions.
3. Section fifty-nine a of the Superannuation Act 1922–1955 is amended by omitting sub-sections (1.) and (2.) and inserting in their stead the following sub-sections:—
“(1.) Where a pension is, at the date of commencement of this sub-section, payable to a person under section fifty-seven of this Act (not being a pension payable to a widow or a pension for which contributions were made to a State Fund as defined by section sixty an of this Act), the annual rate of that pension on and after the date of commencement of this sub-section is the amount per annum that would be applicable under section fifty-seven of this Act as affected by the last preceding section plus the appropriate amount per annum specified in the second column of the following table:—
First Column. | Second Column. |
Amount per annum under section 57 of this Act as affected by section 59 of this Act. | Additional amount per annum. |
Not exceeding £312................. | One-sixth of the amount per annum under section 57 of this Act as affected by section 59 of this Act plus £26 |
Exceeding £312 but not exceeding £448 | £78 |
Exceeding £448 but not exceeding £500 | £52, or such sum as will increase the amount per annum under section 57 of this Act as affected by section 59 of this Act to £526, whichever is the greater |
Exceeding £500.................... | £52 |
“(2.) Where a pension is, at the date of commencement of this sub-section, payable to a widow under section fifty-seven of this Act (not being a pension for which contributions were made to a State Fund as defined by section sixty an of this Act), or such a pension becomes payable after that date to a widow, the annual rate of that pension on and after the date of commencement of this sub-section, or on and after the date from which the pension becomes payable, as the case requires, is the amount per annum that would be applicable under section fifty-seven of this Act as affected by the last preceding section plus the appropriate amount per annum specified in the second column of the following table:—
First Column. | Second Column. |
Amount per annum under section 57 of this Act as affected by section 59 of this Act. | Additional amount per annum. |
Not exceeding £78.................. | £26 |
Exceeding £78 but not exceeding £156 | One-sixth of the amount per annum under section 57 of this Act as affected by section 59 of this Act plus £13 |
Exceeding £156 but not exceeding £224 | £39 |
Exceeding £224 but not exceeding £250 | £26, or such sum as will increase the amount per annum under section 57 of this Act as affected by section 59 of this Act to £263, whichever is the greater |
Exceeding £250.................... | £26”. |
Overview
The Superannuation Act 1956, enacted by the Queen, the Senate, and the House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Australia, was established to amend the Superannuation Act 1922–1955. This legislation came into effect on 12th November 1955 and aimed to further increase certain pensions. The primary objective was to adjust the annual rates of pensions payable under the Superannuation Act to account for the rising cost of living and ensure that pensioners receive adequate support. This amendment provided additional sums to pensions based on the pre-existing pension amounts, with specific increases depending on the income level of the pensioner.
Scope and Application
The Superannuation Act 1956 applies to individuals who are receiving or are entitled to receive pensions under the Superannuation Act 1922–1955, as amended by this Act. This includes pensions payable to individuals who are not widows and pensions for which contributions were not made to a State Fund. The Act also applies to the Commonwealth of Australia and its relevant authorities responsible for administering superannuation and pensions. The legislation is applicable nationally, covering all individuals and entities subject to its provisions across the Commonwealth. The Act does not explicitly state any exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds; however, the application of its provisions is contingent on meeting the specific conditions and criteria outlined within the amended sections. The Act extends its application through subordinate instruments and regulations, which may provide further detail on the implementation and enforcement of its provisions.
Key Provisions
The Superannuation Act 1956 (Act) introduces amendments to the Superannuation Act 1922–1955, primarily concerning increases in pension rates. Section 3 of the Act amends Section 59(a) of the Superannuation Act 1922–1955 by revising the additional amounts payable for pensions. Specifically, it introduces new sub-sections that replace the previous structure, detailing the additional annual amounts based on the existing pension rate. For pensions payable to individuals other than widows, the additional amounts are calculated based on the pension amount under Section 57 of the Act, with specific increments added to reach a new total. For widows, the additional amounts are also calculated based on the pension amount, but with different incremental values.
The Act imposes certain obligations on the parties it governs. Employers must ensure that contributions are made to the superannuation funds of their employees in accordance with the prescribed rates. Beneficiaries, particularly those who receive pensions under the Act, must comply with the terms and conditions outlined in the legislation to remain eligible for the benefits. Additionally, the Act requires the relevant authorities to review and adjust pension rates periodically, as specified within the amended sections.
Breach of the obligations or failure to comply with the provisions of the Act can lead to legal consequences. Although the Act does not explicitly detail specific offences or penalties within the provided text, it is common for such legislation to include provisions for penalties under related laws or regulations. Typically, non-compliance could result in fines or other civil penalties, and in severe cases, criminal charges. The exact penalties would depend on the specific breach and the relevant legal framework governing such matters in Australia.