Superannuation (Family Law—Superannuation Act 1922) Orders 2004

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Legislation au F2004B00098 In force Legislative Instrument

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Superannuation (Family Law—Superannuation Act 1922) Orders 2004

Statutory Rules No. 85, 2004

made under subsection 93DE(1) of the

Superannuation Act 1922

Compilation No. 1

Compilation date: 20 June 2025

Includes amendments: F2025L00705

About this compilation

This compilation

This is a compilation of the Superannuation (Family Law—Superannuation Act 1922) Orders 2004 that shows the text of the law as amended and in force on 20 June 2025 (the compilation date).

The notes at the end of this compilation (the endnotes) include information about amending laws and the amendment history of provisions of the compiled law.

Uncommenced amendments

The effect of uncommenced amendments is not shown in the text of the compiled law. Any uncommenced amendments affecting the law are accessible on the Register (www.legislation.gov.au). The details of amendments made up to, but not commenced at, the compilation date are underlined in the endnotes. For more information on any uncommenced amendments, see the Register for the compiled law.

Application, saving and transitional provisions for provisions and amendments

If the operation of a provision or amendment of the compiled law is affected by an application, saving or transitional provision that is not included in this compilation, details are included in the endnotes.

Editorial changes

For more information about any editorial changes made in this compilation, see the endnotes.

Modifications

If the compiled law is modified by another law, the compiled law operates as modified but the modification does not amend the text of the law. Accordingly, this compilation does not show the text of the compiled law as modified. For more information on any modifications, see the Register for the compiled law.

Selfrepealing provisions

If a provision of the compiled law has been repealed in accordance with a provision of the law, details are included in the endnotes.

 

 

 

Contents

1 Name of Orders

3 Definitions

4 Annual rate of associate pension for nonmember spouse

5 Commutation of small associate pension—minimum amount

6 Reduction of standard pension

Endnotes

Endnote 1—About the endnotes

Endnote 2—Abbreviation key

Endnote 3—Legislation history

Endnote 4—Amendment history

 

1  Name of Orders

  These Orders are the Superannuation (Family Law—Superannuation Act 1922) Orders 2004.

3  Definitions

 (1) In these Orders:

Act means the Superannuation Act 1922.

FLS Regulations means the Family Law (Superannuation) Regulations 2025.

 (2) An expression that is used in these Orders, and defined in section 93DA of the Act, has the meaning given by that section.

Note: Section 93DA of the Act defines expressions including nonmember spouse, operative time and transfer amount. Some expressions are defined in section 93DA to have the same meaning as in the Family Law Act 1975.

4  Annual rate of associate pension for non‑member spouse

  For subsection 93DB(2) of the Act, the annual rate of associate pension payable to a nonmember spouse to whom that subsection relates is calculated as follows:

Step 1

Identify the transfer amount in relation to the nonmember spouse.

Note: Subsection 93DB(2) of the Act requires the rate of associate pension to be calculated by reference to the transfer amount.

Step 2

Identify a factor for the nonmember spouse that is equal to the value Py+m specified in clause 3 of Schedule 5 to the FLS Regulations.

Note: The associate pension payable to a nonmember spouse does not include a reversionary component.

Step 3

Divide the transfer amount by the factor worked out in step 2.

The result is the annual rate of the associate pension.

5  Commutation of small associate pension—minimum amount

 (1) For subsection 93DC(1) of the Act, the amount is $1 300.

 (2) The amount is to be indexed in the same way, and at the same time, as a standard pension is indexed under Part XI of the Act.

6  Reduction of standard pension 

  For subsection 93DD(1) of the Act, the amount to which an annual rate of standard pension payable in respect of an original interest is to be reduced is calculated as follows:

Step 1

Identify the annual rate of standard pension that was payable in relation to the member spouse immediately before the operative time.

Step 2

If that annual rate of standard pension takes account of the existence of 1 or more eligible children, deduct the part of the annual rate that takes account of the existence of the eligible children.

Step 3A

If the standard pension payable in relation to the member spouse is a spouse pension or an associate pension, identify a factor for the member spouse that is equal to the value

Py+m

specified in clause 3 of Schedule 5 to the FLS Regulations, calculated immediately before the operative time.

Step 3B

If step 3A does not apply, identify a factor for the member spouse that is equal to the value

(Py+m + (r Ry+m))

specified in clause 3 of Schedule 5 to the FLS Regulations, calculated immediately before the operative time.

Step 4

Multiply the annual rate of standard pension (or the rate worked out under step 2, if applicable) by the factor worked out in step 3A or 3B.

Step 5

Identify the transfer amount in relation to the nonmember spouse and subtract it from the amount worked out in step 4.

Step 6

Divide the amount worked out in step 5 by the factor worked out in step 3A or 3B.

Step 7

If step 2 applies, increase the rate worked out in step 6 by the part of the rate that was deducted under step 2.

The result is the annual rate of the standard pension payable after the operative time in respect of the original interest.

Endnotes

Endnote 1—About the endnotes

The endnotes provide information about this compilation and the compiled law.

The following endnotes are included in every compilation:

Endnote 1—About the endnotes

Endnote 2—Abbreviation key

Endnote 3—Legislation history

Endnote 4—Amendment history

Abbreviation key—Endnote 2

The abbreviation key sets out abbreviations that may be used in the endnotes.

Legislation history and amendment history—Endnotes 3 and 4

Amending laws are annotated in the legislation history and amendment history.

The legislation history in endnote 3 provides information about each law that has amended (or will amend) the compiled law. The information includes commencement details for amending laws and details of any application, saving or transitional provisions that are not included in this compilation.

The amendment history in endnote 4 provides information about amendments at the provision (generally section or equivalent) level. It also includes information about any provision of the compiled law that has been repealed in accordance with a provision of the law.

Editorial changes

The Legislation Act 2003 authorises First Parliamentary Counsel to make editorial and presentational changes to a compiled law in preparing a compilation of the law for registration. The changes must not change the effect of the law. Editorial changes take effect from the compilation registration date.

If the compilation includes editorial changes, the endnotes include a brief outline of the changes in general terms. Full details of any changes can be obtained from the Office of Parliamentary Counsel.

Misdescribed amendments

A misdescribed amendment is an amendment that does not accurately describe how an amendment is to be made. If, despite the misdescription, the amendment can be given effect as intended, then the misdescribed amendment can be incorporated through an editorial change made under section 15V of the Legislation Act 2003.

If a misdescribed amendment cannot be given effect as intended, the amendment is not incorporated and “(md not incorp)” is added to the amendment history.

Endnote 2—Abbreviation key

ad = added or inserted

o = order(s)

am = amended

Ord = Ordinance

amdt = amendment

orig = original

c = clause(s)

par = paragraph(s)/subparagraph(s)

C[x] = Compilation No. x

/subsubparagraph(s)

Ch = Chapter(s)

pres = present

def = definition(s)

prev = previous

Dict = Dictionary

(prev…) = previously

disallowed = disallowed by Parliament

Pt = Part(s)

Div = Division(s)

r = regulation(s)/rule(s)

ed = editorial change

reloc = relocated

exp = expires/expired or ceases/ceased to have

renum = renumbered

effect

rep = repealed

F = Federal Register of Legislation

rs = repealed and substituted

gaz = gazette

s = section(s)/subsection(s)

LA = Legislation Act 2003

Sch = Schedule(s)

LIA = Legislative Instruments Act 2003

Sdiv = Subdivision(s)

(md) = misdescribed amendment can be given

SLI = Select Legislative Instrument

effect

SR = Statutory Rules

(md not incorp) = misdescribed amendment

SubCh = SubChapter(s)

cannot be given effect

SubPt = Subpart(s)

mod = modified/modification

underlining = whole or part not

No. = Number(s)

commenced or to be commenced

 

Endnote 3—Legislation history

 

Name

Registration or gazettal

Commencement

Application, saving and transitional provisions

Superannuation (Family Law—Superannuation Act 1922) Orders 2004 (SR No. 85, 2004)

11 May 2004

s 4–6: 18 May 2004 (s 2(b))
Remainder: 11 May 2004 (s 2(a))

 

Superannuation Legislation Amendment (Family Law) Orders 2025

19 June 2025 (F2025L00705)

Sch 1 (items 4–6): 20 June 2025 (s 2(1) item 1)

 

Endnote 4—Amendment history

 

Provision affected

How affected

s 2.....................

rep LA s 48D

s 3.....................

am F2025L00705

s 4.....................

am F2025L00705

s 6.....................

am F2025L00705

 

Overview

The Superannuation (Family Law—Superannuation Act 1922) Orders 2004 were enacted to address the specific issues arising from the interaction between superannuation and family law, ensuring that superannuation interests are appropriately divided or preserved in the event of a relationship breakdown. These orders were created under the authority of subsection 93DE(1) of the Superannuation Act 1922, with the primary objective of providing clear guidelines for the treatment of superannuation interests during family law proceedings. By implementing these orders, the Australian government aimed to mitigate the financial uncertainties faced by separated or divorced individuals, particularly in relation to their entitlements to superannuation benefits. The Superannuation (Family Law—Superannuation Act 1922) Orders 2004, as amended, establish specific rules for the calculation and commutation of pensions for non-member spouses, the reduction of standard pensions, and the minimum amount for the commutation of small associate pensions. These provisions ensure that the division of superannuation interests adheres to the principles of fairness and equity as stipulated by family law, while also recognising the unique financial implications that arise from the dissolution of a relationship. The orders are designed to be flexible and responsive to changes in the legal and financial landscape, thereby providing a robust framework for the equitable distribution of superannuation benefits in family law matters.

Scope and Application

The Superannuation (Family Law—Superannuation Act 1922) Orders 2004, as amended, apply to calculations and payments involving superannuation interests in the context of family law, specifically addressing matters such as the division of superannuation benefits in the event of separation or divorce. These Orders apply to superannuation funds established under the Superannuation Act 1922, and they are intended to provide a framework for the equitable distribution of superannuation benefits between spouses or former spouses. The application of these Orders is national in scope, affecting superannuation funds and their members across Australia. The Orders provide specific guidance on the calculation of the annual rate of associate pension for non-member spouses and set out the process for the commutation of small associate pensions, along with the minimum amount permitted for commutation. Additionally, they detail the steps for reducing the standard pension payable in respect of an original interest post the operative time, with particular emphasis on the application of various factors derived from the Family Law (Superannuation) Regulations 2025. Notably, the Orders do not apply to superannuation interests not governed by the Superannuation Act 1922 or to situations not covered by the Family Law Act 1975. These Orders also establish the annual rate of associate pension for non-member spouses and outline the process for reducing the standard pension payable to a member spouse. The Orders are subject to amendment through subordinate legislation, as evidenced by the Superannuation Legislation Amendment (Family Law) Orders 2025, which further refines the application and interpretation of these provisions. The Orders are designed to ensure that superannuation interests are fairly and justly divided in accordance with family law principles, thereby providing clarity and consistency in the administration of superannuation benefits within the family law context.

Key Provisions

The Superannuation (Family Law—Superannuation Act 1922) Orders 2004 (sections 2 to 6) set out the rules for calculating and managing superannuation pensions under the Family Law context. Section 4 of the Orders specifies the annual rate of associate pension payable to a non-member spouse, while Section 5 outlines the minimum amount for the commutation of a small associate pension. Section 6 provides the calculation for the reduction of the standard pension after a specified operative time. These sections ensure that pensions are accurately calculated and adjusted according to family law principles. The Orders impose several obligations on the parties involved. Trustees of superannuation funds must adhere to the specified calculation methods for determining the annual rate of pensions for non-member and member spouses (sections 4 and 6). They must also ensure that the minimum commutation amount for small associate pensions is adhered to (section 5). Additionally, any party involved in the administration of these pensions must ensure that all calculations and payments are made in accordance with the specified steps outlined in the Orders. These obligations are crucial for maintaining the integrity and fairness of pension distributions in family law matters. Failure to comply with the provisions of these Orders can result in various consequences. While the Orders themselves do not explicitly outline specific penalties, breaches of the Superannuation Act 1922, under which these Orders are made, can lead to significant penalties. For instance, trustees found to be in breach of their duties may face financial penalties, and in severe cases, criminal charges. Furthermore, any individual or entity that does not adhere to the calculation and payment requirements may be subject to legal action, which could include being ordered to pay compensation or face other civil liabilities. It is essential for all parties to understand and comply with these requirements to avoid potential legal repercussions.

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Area of Law
Family Law
Superannuation
Instrument
Legislative Instrument
Concepts
Definitions & Interpretation
Regulatory Standards
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Sourced from the Federal Register of Legislation at 26 August 2026. For the latest information on Australian Government law please go to https://www.legislation.gov.au.