Super pioneer Mavis Robertson dies

A pioneer of Australia's compulsory superannuation system has died aged 84.

Mavis Robertson was a founding member of a number of superannuation organisations and was awarded an Order of Australia for her services to the industry in 1994.

She died overnight in Melbourne.

ACTU president Ged Kearney said Ms Robertson was a driving force behind the development of the industry super fund network.

"Mavis devoted her working life to the union movement and to developing industry super funds from very small beginnings into the major economic institutions they are today," said Ms Kearney said on Wednesday.

"Her focus was always on delivering profits to members, which is at the heart of industry super."

Cbus chair Steve Bracks said Ms Robertson was a strong and visionary advocate for working people's rights to financial dignity and security in retirement.

"On behalf of the Cbus board, I pass on our deepest condolences to Mavis' family and on behalf of fund members our most sincere thanks for her legacy which we will continue to defend," Mr Bracks said.

Ms Robertson was an integral part of setting up the Mother's Day Classic fun run, which has raised $24 million for breast cancer research.