Mr CADMAN (9:06 PM) —I want to thank those who have contributed to the debate and point out that new subsections 12(a)(3), (4) and (5) will operate so that, not withstanding the removal of superannuation as an allowable matter in federal awards, employers will be able to continue to use the notional earnings basis of employees calculated by reference to federal awards. The Superannuation Guarantee (Administration) Act 1992 will continue to operate in respect of an employer and employee as they would have operated if superannuation had not been removed as an allowable matter and the terms of the award had not been varied.

This means that, for the purposes of calculating an employee's notional earnings basis and in determining the methodology for reducing an employer's charge percentage in respect of an employee, the Superannuation Guarantee (Administration) Act 1992 will continue to operate as though superannuation had not been removed as an allowable award matter. A similar issue in respect of earnings basis existed at the time the superannuation guarantee legislation was originally introduced. Finally, the pre-existing earnings basis not only in those awards but also in existing superannuation funds was preserved in a similar way.

Amendments agreed to.

Bill, as amended, agreed to.