Superannuation Choice

Since 1 July 2005, many employees in Australia now have the option to choose the super fund that their employer contributes to. We have prepared this information to help you, as employees, understand the Choice of Super Fund legislation and how it affects you.

ATO Standard Choice Form

You can download a copy of the ATO Choice of Superannuation Fund - Standard Choice Form here.

Information and Frequently Asked Questions for Temporary Employees

When does "Choice of Fund" become effective?

As of the 1 July 2005, the Australian Federal Government introduced new legislation, known as 'Choice of Super Fund'. The legislation applies to the compulsory contributions (currently 9% of your wages/salary) your employer makes for you.

What is Choice of Fund?

Basically, all employees, with exception of those that fall under an Award, AWA, EBA or a defined benefit fund, may select the super fund they would like their employer contributions remitted to.

Am I eligible for Choice?

Choice of Super Fund mainly applies to employees covered by Federal Awards as well as those staff not covered by an Award or Registered Agreement. If you don't know which award you are covered by, you should check with your employer/s. If you are eligible, your employer/s is required by law as of 1 July 2005, to offer you a choice of super fund.

What if I don't make a choice?

You don't have to choose a super fund. If you are an existing employee as at 1 July 2005 and don't choose a fund, Randstad will continue paying into your existing fund. The default fund will be nominated on the Standard Choice Form, supplied to you.

Who is Randstad's default fund?

For Super Choice purposes Randstad consists of Select Appointments, Select Teleresources, Select Accountancy, Select Industrial, TPA, Sapphire Technologies, Rock Resourcing, Interim, Jarrah Consulting and Tanner Menzies.

  • Default fund for Randstad, (excludes Select Care and any office located in South Australia): Recruitment Super

    Recruitment Super is a recruitment industry fund owned by its members. It is a complying fund that offers insurances for those interested. Recruitment Super is also a Public Offer Fund that accepts contributions from any employers or employees.

  • Default fund for MSSA: Health Super

    Health Super is a complying, industry preferred fund.

  • Default fund for Twin Hills and Nurseworldwide (All States): Hesta

    Hesta is a complying, industry preferred fund.

  • Default fund for all South Australia employees: Statewide Super

    Statewide Super is a complying fund. All superannuation contributions will be sent to Statewide Super unless an employee is paid under an Award, EBA, and AWA that stipulates otherwise. Super Choice is not offered in the state of South Australia.

Please note:
The distribution of all employer superannuation contributions (made on behalf of its employees), irrelevant of superannuation fund, is done via a central clearing house, managed by Recruitment Super.

What is the Standard Choice Form?

If you are eligible for Choice of Super Fund, your employer is required to provide you with a Standard Choice Form by 28 July 2005. Your employer is also required to give you a Standard Choice Form within 28 days of commencing a new job or within 28 days from the date you request one. This form contains information about your employer's default fund, and has a section for you to nominate your chosen super fund. This form must be completed and returned, if you would like to nominate your own super fund. Changes will not be accepted without a correct and fully completed form.

When will Randstad Pty Limited send me my pre-populated Standard User Choice Form?

Standard User Choice Forms were distributed with the 2004/2005 payment summaries, which, as per the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) ruling, was on 14 July 2005.

Is my employer required to accept my choice?

Generally yes, providing your chosen fund meets the legislative requirements, and if your Standard Choice Form is completed correctly and in full.

Choice of fund legislation sets 2 limits on the super fund that you may choose:

  1. Your chosen fund must be an "eligible choice fund" - generally this means a complying super fund, which is governed in accordance with superannuation laws; and
  2. Your chosen fund must agree to accept the contributions your employer makes.
In addition to my completed Standard User Choice Form what other information must employees provide their employer?

When choosing a fund, you must provide the following to your employer:

  • The full name and contact details of the fund
  • The account name in the fund
  • The number or other unique identifier (if any) that the fund uses to refer to your account
  • The Australian Business Number and Superannuation identifier or number
  • A method that can be used to make contributions to the fund and any necessary details to enable the payment be made
  • A written statement, provided by or on behalf of the trustee of the fund stating that the fund is a complying fund
What should I look for when choosing a super fund?

Find out about benefits that your current fund offers and the benefits of funds chosen by your employer and other funds you are considering. You may want to compare super funds, if so, these are some items you could look at:

  • Fees
  • Insurance
  • Investment choice
  • Consistent investment performance
  • Flexibility & service levels
How often can I change my super fund?

An employee can have only one chosen fund per employer. A chosen fund is then applicable for 12 months. An employer does not have to accept an employee's request to choose a new fund if they have already accepted such a request within the past 12 months.

What happens to any superannuation I have in existing funds?

Any money you have in existing funds will remain there unless you make arrangements to transfer it (rollover) to another fund. Check the impact of any exit fees or benefits you may lose before leaving the fund. Your employer cannot do this for you.

Need more information?

You can also contact the Australian Tax Office (ATO) on 13 28 64, or contact their dedicated website www.superchoice.gov.au for more information about Choice of Fund. Alternatively, temporary employees may contact the Randstad's Customer Service Hotline on 1300 363 377, or email customerservice@Randstad.com.au.

Visit our other related Randstad Sites:

Randstad Worldwide | Randstad Pty Limited