Optional pension contribution

Pension - freedom of choice

From 1 April 2025, it will be possible for most staff groups at AU to have pension contributions in excess of 15% disbursed as salary or paid into a savings scheme linked to their pension scheme, provided that their pension provider offers this option.

Unless otherwise agreed, the full amount will still be paid in as pension contributions. If you want a different solution, you must actively select this. You are bound by your choice for 12 months.

For administrative officers (AC) , the pension contribution on their availability supplement is 12.5%. Instead of having this pension contribution paid into your pension scheme, you can choose to have it paid out (in full or in part) as salary or paid (in full or in part) into a savings scheme connected to your pension scheme.

If you wish to exercise your choice, you must fill in the ‘Optional pension contribution form’ and submit it to your local HR department. PhD fellows must submit the form to AU HR’s Payroll Office.

If you need guidance on whether to choose pension contribution or salary, we recommend that you contact your union representative, your trade union and/or your pension fund.