ABSTRACT
To achieve universal superannuation for all workers, regardless of bargaining power or union coverage, a different strategy was required. Such a strategy also needed to ensure that, once access to superannuation was attained, it became an irreversible right for all workers. A unique set of circumstances would lead to the building industry becoming the first major battleground between the forces for and against universal superannuation. As Mavis Robertson explained, she was asked by Cambourn to initially write a briefing paper on ‘superannuation as an industrial issue’ and then focus on publicising and promoting fund. The Australian Council of Trade Unions played a key role in developing a new narrative about superannuation as a worker’s entitlement, rather than a gift bestowed by employers. In the words of Tom McDonald, the former Building Workers’ Industrial Union national secretary who would play a decisive role in fight for industry superannuation, the drivers were consolidating superannuation as ‘union business’ and securing award superannuation followed by making superannuation ‘irreversible’.
