Foster carers to be considered for super THE federal government will consider extending superannuation payments to foster carers. Employment Minister Bill Shorten says he's open to meeting with foster carers to discuss their request. The prime minister pledged to investigate the issue when it was raised at a community forum in Melbourne this week. Mr Shorten says while it hasn't been a part of public policy debate recently, he can understand the principle behind it. He says foster carers make an invaluable contribution to the country and he will meet with foster carer organisations to hear their propositions. "Everyone has a legitimate anxiety about whether they will have enough money when they retire," he told AAP on Wednesday. I'm open to meeting with foster carers but I can't make a promise on behalf of the government.