Governors-General Pension Scheme

  • Benefits under the Governors-General Pension Scheme are governed by the Governor-General Act 1974.
  • The Scheme is unfunded and no assets are held. Benefits are financed from Consolidated Revenue as they become due for payment. Current and former Governors-General do not contribute to the Scheme and the Commonwealth meets the costs of benefits.
  • The main benefit is a retirement pension of 60% of the salary payable to the Chief Justice of the High Court of Australia.
  • A reversionary pension is payable to the surviving partner (including a same sex relationship) following the death of a serving or retired Governor-General.
  • Responsibility for policy and administration of the Scheme was transferred from the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet to Finance on 1 July 2009.

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