For more than 30 years, the Australian Construction Industry Redundancy Trust (ACIRT) has provided a trusted safety net for Australia’s construction industry workforce. Created by industry, for industry, we provide a reliable safety net that workers and employers can depend on during challenging times.
ACIRT has built a strong and respected reputation across the industry. Its robust governance model has provided balanced oversight and supported decision-making in the interests of both workers and employers.
Consistent with ACIRT’s longstanding profits-to-members philosophy, all profits are returned to members through an annual distribution. This has been ACIRT’s approach for more than 30 years. ACIRT does not pay dividends to shareholders and remains firmly committed to ensuring member funds are used for the benefit of members.
Our service is personal, approachable, and grounded in genuine care.
ACIRT Introduces enhanced benefit design for Genuine Redundancy (GRA) and Voluntary Termination (ETP) claims.
On 19 October 2026, ACIRT introduced a new benefit design for Genuine Redundancy (GRA) and Voluntary Termination (ETP) claims. These changes follow the ATO’s approval of ACIRT’s application for a Class Ruling covering genuine redundancy and eligible termination payments.
Tax Benefit 1 – Genuine redundancy claims
If your employer makes you genuinely redundant, your payment is now tax-free up to a limit of $13,598 plus $6,801 for each completed year of service* with your current employer. This may allow you to keep more of your money to cover bills and support your family between projects.
You can choose to:
- withdraw your full ACIRT account balance; or
- take a partial payment, subject to the minimum tax-free threshold.
Any balance you leave in ACIRT remains invested, and you will continue to receive the annual distribution on that balance if eligible.
- Figures are based on financial year 2026/27 and are subject to change from the ATO.
Important: Genuine redundancy tax-free treatment does not apply if you resign or otherwise leave voluntarily, retire, complete a fixed-term contract or are dismissed.
Other claim circumstances
You may also be eligible to claim if you:
- reach the retirement age of 67;
- complete a fixed-term contract;
- are dismissed; or
- accept an “off the tools” promotion while remaining with the same employer.
In these circumstances, you may claim all or part of your ACIRT account balance. Depending on your income for the relevant financial year, your payment may qualify for concessional ETP tax rates.
Tax Benefit 2 – Voluntary termination payments (ETP)
If you resign or otherwise leave voluntarily and want to make an irrevocable ETP election, ACIRT must receive your completed irrevocable ETP election and claim form before your termination date.
Your benefit may then be taxed under the ETP rules, including the applicable caps and concessional tax rates. Depending on your income, age and circumstances, this may reduce the tax you pay.
For a voluntary termination payment, you must claim your full ACIRT account balance.
For more details, you can view our Member tax guide on the improved redundancy initiatives guide from the ACIRT website. It explains how the changes may apply to your circumstances and entitlements.
What you need to do
When you make a claim, check that your employer has selected the correct claim type on your separation paperwork:
More information
For more information click visit our General Tax Information page, download our Member Tax Guide or call the ACIRT Call Centre on 1800 060 467.
The information provided in this document is general information and is not taxation, regulatory, accounting or legal advice. Nor is it investment or financial product advice. It is not a recommendation and has been prepared without taking into account your tax circumstances, investment objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider consulting a qualified tax adviser before making a decision based on information contained in this document.