The Albanese Government is ensuring convicted child sexual abusers cannot hide their assets in superannuation to avoid paying compensation to their victims.
We have today passed the Treasury Laws Amendment (The Survivors Law) Bill 2026 through the Parliament.
The Bill is guided by a simple but fundamental principle that perpetrators of child sexual abuse should not be able to hide behind financial structures to avoid accountability.
This Bill closes that loophole and affirms that financial systems must not operate in a way that undermines justice.
These significant reforms improve transparency, reduce uncertainty, and strengthen the enforcement of court‑ordered compensation for victim‑survivors.
Victims and survivors of child sexual abuse can apply for a court order to access additional personal or salary sacrifice superannuation contributions made by the offender where a related court order for compensation remains unpaid after 12 months.
Victim‑survivors will be able to apply to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), with appropriate safeguards, to identify any potential eligible superannuation of the offender prior to seeking access.
Unfulfilled historical compensation orders brought into existence before the Bill's commencement will be eligible if they remain legally enforceable and were awarded in relation to a criminal conviction or finding of guilt for child sexual abuse offences.
The legislation has also amended the Bankruptcy Act 1966 to allow compensation debts to survive an offenders' bankruptcy.
These important changes, which received support across the Parliament, have been long called for by survivors and advocates to ensure that victims of child sexual abuse receive the court ordered compensation they deserve and are entitled to.
This bill is a testament to their strength.
