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26/11/2024

Governors-General Pension Scheme

  • Benefits under the Governors-General Pension Scheme (the 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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