Super warning for tradies as ACTU says One Nation, Coalition on the ‘attack’
One-third of employees in one of Australia’s biggest workforces are being targeted by “super spruikers”, as the political firestorm over superannuation deepens.


News.com.au
September 23, 2026

Up to a third of Australian tradies are being targeted by unscrupulous “super spruikers”, new data has revealed, as the industry’s biggest union warns superannuation is under threat from One Nation and the Coalition.   

New research by CBUS, one of Australia’s biggest super providers for tradespeople, found up to one in three members had been targeted in the past year by superannuation shonks – in particular younger workers.

The operators, known as “lead generators”, seek to persuade workers to move their super into riskier, less regulated funds, which can sometimes collapse leaving employees out of pocket for their retirement savings.

High-pressure and cold-calling tactics have been linked to First Guardian and Shield Master, once two of the biggest superannuation providers before their collapse in 2024-25, which impacted about $1.2bn in savings.

Up to one in three CBUS members had been targeted in the past year by superannuation shonks.

CBUS chief strategy officer Bernie Dean said Australians, regardless of their workplace, should be wary of anyone promising “easy money or quick financial wins”.

“There is an army of spruikers who make money by convincing people to move their super, and the consequences can be devastating,” he said.

“We’ve seen workers steered into failed investment schemes while the people behind them allegedly enjoyed luxury lifestyles and drove high-end sports cars.

“Your super should be building your retirement, not somebody else’s Lamborghini, we are reminding Australians don’t hand your retirement savings to someone who profits persuading you to switch.”

The warnings come as CBUS launches the Yours, Not Theirs campaign, which seeks to contrast the lives of ordinary, younger tradespeople with the ill-gotten gains of alleged super shonks, as well as promote education.


The new campaign by CBUS is targeting younger members.

You don’t have to get every decision right when you’re young,” Mr Dean said.

“But choosing a super fund that works in your interests is one decision that can make a lifetime of difference.”

‘Undermined’

Australia’s superannuation scheme has been in the spotlight in recent weeks, including after One Nation announced it would allow workers to access up to three per cent of their super for three years as a cost of living measure.

Leader Pauline Hanson has called it a “real boost” to help renters or homeowners make ends meet – despite housing advocates slamming the proposal.

“This is the people’s money,” Senator Hanson said.

The Coalition has also sought to loosen controls on superannuation, including using it as collateral to buy a house or as a lump sum towards a deposit.

“You could effectively do it in a range of ways,” Liberal frontbencher Andrew Bragg said.

“You could keep the money in the system and it could operate as collateral or an offset. You could take it out to pay off a mortgage or to pull together a first-home loan.”

Former ACTU secretary Sally McManus, left, with assistant secretary Joseph Mitchell.

Both opposition parties have been accused by Labor of effectively seeking to dismantle superannuation – claims those parties deny.

ACTU assistant secretary Joseph Mitchell said One Nation and the Coalition had “undermined and attacked universal superannuation and their policies would mean a poorer retirement for workers. 


“At the same time there are shonks and rip-off merchants in the system targeting workers just trying to ensure their security in retirement.

“Workers are getting targeted from both sides, Hanson and Bragg wanting their super for a headline and scammers wanting it for a profit. Neither is wanting a better retirement for workers.   

“Workers love their super and it provides a pathway to a dignified retirement and we will fight against attempts to undermine it or rip people off.”

The ACTU is afraid of losing the battle. They get plenty of baksheesh for the union funds. But of course there are shonks out there. You just have to do your due diligence. Don't accept cold calls from "advantaged" super salesmen.