Labor commit to superannuation changes impacting millions of Aussie workers

By NICHOLAS COMINO, POLITICAL REPORTER, AUSTRALIA Published: 04:31, 23 July 2026 | Updated: 04:54, 23 July 2026 Labor has adopted a new policy at its national conference requiring employers to pay superannuation to all workers under 18, regardless of how many hours they work.  As it stands, employees under 18 are only paid super if they work more than 30 hours a week.  Labor said the policy will ensure 'all workers, including those under 18 and regardless of how they are engaged, can accumulate superannuation on every dollar earned'.  With delegates at the conference approving the policy, it will now be up to Labor's parliamentary team to decide how and when it is implemented.  With the Super Guarantee rate at 12 per cent, millions of Australians are expected to accumulate thousands of dollars more in superannuation over time as a result of the changes when they are introduced. Hundreds of delegates have converged on Adelaide for the three-day conference, which sets out the party's agenda and policy stances.  Opening the event, Albanese said it was up to Labor to show the difference its government was making to people's lives, rather than just airing grievances.  'People's genuine frustrations deserve a practical response, not just an emotional one,' he said on Thursday.  'You can go a long way in politics, for a long time, by raging against a system that you are part of, without a plan to fix it ... that doesn't build anything.' Labor will require employers to pay superannuation to all workers under 18, regardless of how many hours they work The prime minister stressed the need to tackle long-term challenges as well as dealing with daily issues that should be addressed. 'Our focus remains squarely on helping with the cost of living, on the practical measures that matter to people and make a positive difference to their lives,' he said. 'That is how we demonstrate to Australians that their hard work will pay off.' Albanese also used the speech to hit out at One Nation, which has polled above Labor in some recent voter surveys. 'All those attention-seeking culture wars imported from overseas, all those trips around the world to talk Australia down, cannot disguise the fact that none of them have anything new or anything positive to offer our country,' he said. The prime minister also announced the creation of a Fair Work Court aimed at resolving workplace disputes. While the 50th Labor conference is not expected to be confrontational, several major policy issues will be on the agenda for debate. Among them will be artificial intelligence protections, gas taxes, gambling reform and the party's support for the Palestinian cause. Treasurer Jim Chalmers told the conference Labor was the only remaining mainstream party, adding that ongoing reform was critical for success with voters. 'We are the last ones standing in the sensible centre of Australian politics but we aren't standing still,' he said. Tax changes in the budget, aimed at making housing more affordable, were an example. 'It's how we address the very real and legitimate concerns people have about their place in our economy, democracy and society,' he said. 'The Liberals, Nationals and One Nation would be the worst possible coalition of callous and chaos.' Albanese also used the address to announce 10 more areas of study in health professions will be eligible for payments of $338.60 a week for students doing practical placements From July 2027, the payments will be extended for physiotherapy, clinical psychology, speech pathology, paramedics, audiology, pharmacy and podiatry. 'This is one of those reforms where it is hard to believe that it didn't already exist,' he said. However the conference hasn't been all smooth sailing. Albanese nearly fell and appeared to swear when an escalator abruptly stopped as he arrived to deliver his keynote address. Albanese was riding the escalator when it suddenly ground to a halt. The prime minister stumbled and almost fell, gripping both handrails to stabilise himself while appearing to say 'f***'. He then looked behind him at his entourage and appeared to glare in frustration before walking down the rest of the now stationary stairs. The incident immediately prompted sabotage conspiracy theories.