Changes to super from 1 July: GESB’s unique products
Changes to contributions timing, caps and thresholds come into effect on 1 July 2026 that may impact your clients who are GESB members – especially those in our untaxed and constitutionally protected funds, West State Super and Gold State Super.
This summary highlights the key changes to super for the new financial year and how they apply to our unique schemes.
The untaxed plan cap is increasing
The untaxed plan cap is the maximum amount of untaxed super lump sum benefits eligible for concessional tax treatment when withdrawn. It will increase from 1 July.
- From $1.865 million to $1.935 million
The untaxed plan cap is particularly important for West State Super and Gold State Super members, as these schemes are untaxed in accumulation.
An increase in the cap raises the amounts that can be taxed at concessional rates and may improve after-tax outcomes.
CPI rate for Gold State Super deferred benefits is increasing
The CPI rates to be used for indexing preserved Gold State Super benefits is increasing.
Gold State Super benefits accrue interest at Consumer Price Index (CPI) plus 1% or CPI plus 2% rates. The CPI rate for each financial year is calculated based on the movement in the CPI for Perth for each year ending 31 March.
As of 1 July:
- The CPI plus 1% rate will increase to 5.95%
- The CPI plus 2% rate will increase to 6.95%
The increase will mean members with Gold State Super preserved benefits will see stronger balance growth for the 2026/27 financial year, directly linked to the higher CPI outcome.
It could also strengthen real benefit values and improve eventual retirement outcomes for Gold State Super deferred members.
Other changes to super
Payday Super starts
From 1 July, employers will be required to pay Superannuation Guarantee (SG) contributions at the same time as salary and wages with the introduction of Payday Super. This replaces the current quarterly minimum standard.
Contribution caps and government thresholds are increasing
From 1 July 2026, contribution caps increase due to indexation.
- Concessional contributions cap increases from $30,000 to $32,500
- Non-concessional contributions cap increases from $120,000 to $130,000
Thresholds for the government’s super co-contribution scheme are also changing.
- Lower threshold raises from $47,488 to $49,293
- Upper threshold raises from $62,488 to $64,293
The transfer balance cap is increasing
The transfer balance cap is the amount that can be moved into the tax-free retirement pension phase. It will increase from $2 million to $2.1 million.
Division 296 tax begins
A new tax framework, known as Division 296, applies as of 1 July as part of broader superannuation reform. This is the additional tax on large super balances.
Under the new rules, earnings attributable to total superannuation balances:
- Between $3 million and $10 million will be taxed an additional 15% (increasing tax rate from 15% to 30%)
- Above $10 million will be taxed at an additional 25% (total 40%)
During the 2026/27 transition year, an individual’s total superannuation balance on 30 June 2027 will be assessed against the thresholds above.
Please note: Division 296 will apply to defined benefit and constitutionally protected funds; however, government regulations have not been finalised yet. Once they have been, we will provide further details.
Super on paid parental leave expands
Eligible parents receiving government-funded Paid Parental Leave will begin receiving super contributions on those payments. Note that WA public sector workers will be paid super on both paid and unpaid parental leave.
Get help supporting your clients
If you advise clients who are GESB members, our dedicated Relationship Manager, Greg Stewart, is available to support you with information on our products, services and business initiatives.
Greg can keep you informed about GESB and the super industry through:
- Product briefings
- Seminars and webinars
- Professional development training
You can reach Greg directly at greg.stewart@gesb.wa.gov.au.
Forms and account help
For help with administrative matters such as forms, third-party authority applications or account summaries, please contact our Member Services Centre on 13 43 72, Monday to Friday, 7.30am to 5.30pm (AWST), or via Live Chat until 5.15pm.
More information
Thank you for printing this page. Remember to come back to gesb.wa.gov.au for the latest information as our content is updated regularly. This information is correct as at 22 June 2026.