media release
13 May 2025
HESTA welcomes new Parliament, urges action on key issues
HESTA today welcomed Australia’s 48th Parliament and Ministry, including the new Assistant Treasurer with responsibility for superannuation, Dr Daniel Mulino MP, noting a record number of women were elected.
HESTA also welcomed the appointment of Sussan Ley MP to the Liberal leadership, the first woman to lead the party.
HESTA CEO Debby Blakey said the next three years would provide a chance to make further progress on the government’s first term agenda, as well as the ability to help close the gender super gap.
“We see opportunities for the Government to continue to improve access to housing, accelerate the energy transition and address longstanding gender equity issues, alongside strengthening the vital health and community services sector where many of our members work,” Ms Blakey said.
“While Australia’s superannuation system is one of the world’s best, there is also opportunity to address entrenched gaps that disadvantage women and Australians earning lower wages.
“We believe a majority government allows for policy leadership and ambitious reform in the coming years.”
Ms Blakey added the record number of women elected re-affirmed broad community support for an Australia that celebrates diversity and strives to be more inclusive, with a focus on improving opportunities for all.
“It’s wonderful to see this progress towards a Parliament that is more representative of the Australian community it serves,” Ms Blakey said.
Around 80% of HESTA’s more than 1 million members are women, often earning lower wages and taking on a significant unpaid care burden, reflecting the experiences of many working women across Australia.
HESTA wants to ensure this perspective is considered and is calling for government to identify and address unintended gender-blind spots in policymaking through consistent gender impact assessment and annual reporting on the recommendations of the Women’s Economic Equality Taskforce Report (2023).
Ms Blakey said HESTA would continue to advocate for measures to drive a fairer super system. Among the reforms HESTA is calling for are:
“It’s pleasing to see Australia moving closer to implementation of key superannuation reforms, including super on Commonwealth Paid Parental Leave from 1 July 2025 and payday super reform next year. These are important changes that can help deliver better retirement outcomes for all Australians,” Ms Blakey said.
“But there is more to do – and we will continue advocating for change that supports our members’ ability to retire on their terms.”
Ends.
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Sam Riley
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