Retirement
Super funds called out over lack of animal welfare policies
New research has found that most Aussie super funds do not have an animal welfare policy.
Super funds called out over lack of animal welfare policies
New research has found that most Aussie super funds do not have an animal welfare policy.
The vast majority of Australian super funds do not currently have a public policy to prevent investing in animal cruelty, according to research released by World Animal Protection.
Only 16 of the over 200 super funds analysed by the animal welfare organisation were found to have an animal welfare policy in place, while the remaining 90 per cent do not.
“The reality for most Australians is that their super could be funding some of the cruellest industries like intensive factory farming, live animal export, and cosmetic testing on animals, without their knowledge,” said World Animal Protection interim country director Ben Pearson.
“We know most people don’t want their super funding animal cruelty, and it’s time for the industry to align their policies with the expectations of the Australian public.”
Polling by the World Animal Protection revealed that animal cruelty was the top area that Aussies most want their super fund to avoid investing in, ahead of human rights abuses, tobacco and gambling.
Sixty-two per cent of respondents said they would switch to an animal-friendly super fund if their existing fund was found to be investing in animal cruelty, while a further 28 per cent said they were undecided.
Additionally, 90 per cent of Aussies said they would not knowingly invest their money in animal cruelty.
“We’re calling on Australians to hold their super funds accountable and start by asking their super funds about their animal welfare policy. If they don’t have one, ask them why,” said Mr Pearson.
“The Australian super industry manages over $3 trillion worth of assets and is increasingly looking to invest in agricultural industries, so it’s critical that we shine a light on the investment practices of super funds.”
The survey found that 55 per cent of Aussies would be willing to contact their super fund to find out about how they manage animal welfare in their investment decisions.
RELATED ARTICLES
Superannuation
Rest posts healthy returns following a positive end to 2025
Rest, one of Australia's largest profit-to-member superannuation funds, has reported impressive returns in its flagship MySuper Growth investment option for the year 2025. The fund is optimistic about ...Read more
Superannuation
Rest marks milestone with first private equity co-investment exit
In a significant development for Rest, one of Australia’s largest profit-to-member superannuation funds, the organisation has announced the successful completion of its first private equity ...Read more
Superannuation
Expanding super for under-18s could help close the gender super gap, says Rest
In a push to address the gender disparity in superannuation savings, Rest, one of Australia's largest profit-to-member superannuation funds, has called for a significant policy change that would allow ...Read more
Superannuation
Employment Hero pioneers real-time super payments with HeroClear integration
In a significant leap forward for Australia's payroll and superannuation systems, Employment Hero, in collaboration with Zepto and OZEDI, has successfully processed the country's first ...Read more
Superannuation
Rest launches Rest Pay to streamline superannuation payments and boost member outcomes
In a significant move aimed at enhancing compliance with upcoming superannuation regulations, Rest, one of Australia’s largest profit-to-member superannuation funds, has unveiled an innovative ...Read more
Superannuation
Rest appoints experienced governance expert to bolster superannuation fund
Rest, one of Australia's largest profit-to-member superannuation funds, has announced the appointment of Ed Waters as the new Company Secretary. Waters, who brings with him over 15 years of extensive ...Read more
Superannuation
Small businesses brace for cash flow challenges as Payday Super becomes law
With the new Payday Super legislation now enacted, small businesses across Australia are preparing for a significant shift in how they manage superannuation contributions. The law, which mandates a ...Read more
Superannuation
Rest launches Innovate RAP to support fairer super outcomes for First Nations members
In a significant move towards reconciliation and inclusivity, Rest, one of Australia's largest profit-to-member superannuation funds, has unveiled its Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP)Read more
Superannuation
Rest posts healthy returns following a positive end to 2025
Rest, one of Australia's largest profit-to-member superannuation funds, has reported impressive returns in its flagship MySuper Growth investment option for the year 2025. The fund is optimistic about ...Read more
Superannuation
Rest marks milestone with first private equity co-investment exit
In a significant development for Rest, one of Australia’s largest profit-to-member superannuation funds, the organisation has announced the successful completion of its first private equity ...Read more
Superannuation
Expanding super for under-18s could help close the gender super gap, says Rest
In a push to address the gender disparity in superannuation savings, Rest, one of Australia's largest profit-to-member superannuation funds, has called for a significant policy change that would allow ...Read more
Superannuation
Employment Hero pioneers real-time super payments with HeroClear integration
In a significant leap forward for Australia's payroll and superannuation systems, Employment Hero, in collaboration with Zepto and OZEDI, has successfully processed the country's first ...Read more
Superannuation
Rest launches Rest Pay to streamline superannuation payments and boost member outcomes
In a significant move aimed at enhancing compliance with upcoming superannuation regulations, Rest, one of Australia’s largest profit-to-member superannuation funds, has unveiled an innovative ...Read more
Superannuation
Rest appoints experienced governance expert to bolster superannuation fund
Rest, one of Australia's largest profit-to-member superannuation funds, has announced the appointment of Ed Waters as the new Company Secretary. Waters, who brings with him over 15 years of extensive ...Read more
Superannuation
Small businesses brace for cash flow challenges as Payday Super becomes law
With the new Payday Super legislation now enacted, small businesses across Australia are preparing for a significant shift in how they manage superannuation contributions. The law, which mandates a ...Read more
Superannuation
Rest launches Innovate RAP to support fairer super outcomes for First Nations members
In a significant move towards reconciliation and inclusivity, Rest, one of Australia's largest profit-to-member superannuation funds, has unveiled its Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP)Read more
