Consultation Open: Preventing Perpetrators Accessing Victims' Super Death Benefits
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Primary tax-year context: Current Australian tax settings
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On 5 March 2026, Treasury ministers announced public consultation on reforms to prevent perpetrators of family and domestic violence from receiving the superannuation death benefits of their victims.
The policy intent is to close situations where current law outcomes can conflict with community expectations and victim-survivor protections.
Key dates
- consultation announcement: 5 March 2026
- submissions close: 15 April 2026
Why this matters
Super death benefits are generally designed to support dependants and eligible beneficiaries after death.
This consultation recognises that, in some circumstances, legal settings may allow outcomes that effectively reward abusive conduct. The reform process is aimed at preventing that outcome while preserving legal certainty and practical administration.
Who should pay attention
- family law and estate practitioners
- super funds and trustees
- victim-survivor advocacy organisations
- advisers supporting blended-family and binding nomination cases
What to do now
- Review existing beneficiary nomination and estate planning settings for high-risk situations.
- Monitor final legislative design before changing client workflows.
- Consider making a submission if you work with affected families or super claims.