Policy changes mean more options to control your financial future
Sessional academic staff can now take greater control of their financial future, with an amendment to the UON Salary Packaging Policy that allows all staff to make pre-tax contributions to UniSuper superannuation.
The amendment has been welcomed by Jean Gersbach, Clinical Nurse Educator in the School of Nursing and Midwifery, who brought the issue to light and drove the change alongside the University’s Financial Services and Human Resources teams.
“When I first enquired about the possibility of salary sacrifice, I was told that as a casual member of staff I did not qualify,” Jean said.
“This concerned and frustrated me because I believe that whether I am casual or tenured I do make a contribution to the workplace and have similar needs to provide for my future.”
The new policy means sessional academic staff can now salary package a fixed percentage of their income to UniSuper as a voluntary member deduction.
The amendment to the policy is seen as another step towards supporting our sessional staff, Deputy Director Workforce Transformation and Strategy, Tina Crawford said.
“This is further recognition that our sessional academic staff are an important part of our workforce and it is important that we listen and respond to their needs," Tina said.
Jean said she is pleased that the University has considered the needs of the many staff that are casual and sessional.
“For me, contributing to superannuation by salary sacrifice is one way of preparing and planning for my future, to enable me to be more financially secure and independent.”
Jean is a valuable member of the sessional workforce and joined UON in 2000. The highlight of her work is seeing the journey her students take in reaching their qualifications.
“My aim is to provide each student with opportunities to improve and grow in their learning and clinical experience and ultimately to be safe and effective clinicians with a high moral standard in their practice,” she said.
Read the policy to learn more. It is recommended staff seek advice from a financial planner before entering into a salary sacrifice arrangement.
Contact
- superannuation@newcastle.edu.au
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