LISTO boost a win for young tradies, apprentices and women in construction
11 March 2026
MEDIA RELEASE
CBUS Super has welcomed new legislation that could potentially boost the super balances of low-income workers by thousands, with at least 57,000 CBUS members likely to benefit from the changes.
The Low Income Super Tax Offset (LISTO) was designed to level the playing field for low-income earners, but it hasn’t kept pace with wages and super guarantee increases.
Last night’s passage of the new laws locks in the raising of the threshold, meaning more Australians earning under $45,000 will qualify for a super boost – great news for the 1.3 million Australians and at least 57,000 CBUS members who will benefit from these changes.
CBUS Super CEO Kristian Fok congratulated the Federal Government on this necessary change, making super more equitable now and into the future.
“If you’re on a low income or just starting out, you might be paying a higher super tax rate than someone with a significant balance. That’s not fair,” he said.
“This is a simple change that will have a significant benefit for younger workers, helping to set them up for financial security by boosting their super savings.”
The passage of the Federal Government’s Treasury Laws Amendment (Building a Stronger and Fairer Super System) Bill 2026 boosts the maximum payment from $500 to $810, ensuring workers are not penalised simply because super contributions are rising as intended.
The cap, which has not moved since 2017, will be indexed to ensure it continues to benefit workers into the future.
Workers could receive a potential benefit at retirement of around $15,000 depending on an individual’s income over their career*.
Mr Fok said the Fund would continue to advocate for its young members to help them establish a secure financial future.
“Apprentices and young tradies have a tremendous opportunity to grow their retirement savings from the outset of their careers with the Super Guarantee at 12% and Payday Super around the corner,” he said.
“We will keep pushing for changes to the superannuation system that will benefit our members, including cracking down on the social media clickbait and cold calling tactics targeting younger workers who can least afford it.”
The Fund will continue to push for strong reforms to safeguard the savings of its more than 925,000 members.
Media enquiries: media@cbussuper.com.au or 0429 437 851
* Sourced from Australian Government media release: https://ministers.treasury.gov.au/ministers/jim-chalmers-2022/media-releases/government-another-step-closer-delivering-super-reforms
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CBUS Super is the leading Industry Super Fund representing those that help build, maintain and shape Australia. As one of Australia’s largest super funds, we provide superannuation and income stream accounts to more than 925,000 members and we manage more than $110 billion of our members’ money (as at 31 December 2025). As of April 2022, CBUS merged with Media Super and offers Media Super products. In May 2023 CBUS Super successfully completed its merger with EISS Super, welcoming 17,000 new members and establishing itself as the leading fund for energy and electrical workers in Australia.
Issued 11 March 2026. United Super Pty Ltd ABN 46 006 261 623 AFSL 233792 as trustee for Construction and Building Unions Superannuation Fund (Cbus and/or Cbus Super) ABN 75 493 363 262.