Committee: Finance and Public Administration References Committee
Date referred: 26 August 2025
Submissions close: 18 September 2025
Reporting date: 30 October 2025

On 26 August 2025, the Senate agreed that the inquiry into the operation and appropriateness of the superannuation and pension schemes for current and former members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF), be re-adopted in the 48th Parliament for inquiry and report.

All correspondence and evidence previously received for this inquiry as part of the 47th Parliament has been made available to the committee. This means that submissions already provided to the committee do not need to be re-submitted. The committee has the power to refer to the evidence received during the 47th Parliament.

Terms of reference

The operation and appropriateness of the superannuation and pension schemes for current and former members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF), with particular reference to:

1. whether the legislative framework governing superannuation and pension schemes for current and former members of the ADF is fit for purpose;
2. whether the Military Superannuation and Benefits Scheme (MSBS) enables veterans to preserve savings to deliver income for a dignified retirement in an equitable and sustainable way;
3. the structure and governance of the Commonwealth Superannuation Corporation (CSC), including an examination of its services to current and former members of the ADF and the identification of strategies to address complaints and improve service delivery;
4. whether CSC account holders have the same rights and protections as other Australians in relation to their superannuation, including the ability to withdraw funds, receive appropriate returns, change superannuation providers and receive transparent information about return on investments;
5. mechanisms for veterans to have their discharge reclassified from administrative to medical, particularly in cases involving psychological injuries, and whether current appeal processes and discretion practices by the Department of Defence and the CSC adequately protect veterans’ entitlements and recognition of service-related mental health issues;
6. the operation and effectiveness of the MSBS, Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits Scheme, Defence Forces Retirement and Benefits Scheme, Australian Defence Force Superannuation Scheme and Australian Defence Force Cover Scheme and whether these schemes are operating in the best interests of current and former members of the ADF,
7. targeted initiatives and education for current and former members of the ADF to preserve superannuation savings, improve understanding of superannuation and increase participation in these schemes; and
8. any other related matters.