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‘Worse Off’: Warning over Super Claim
Chalmers said easier withdrawals would weaken retirement incomes as One Nation argues Australians should be able to access savings in hardship.
On Monday, Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers defended compulsory superannuation, accusing political opponents of seeking to "decimate" retirement incomes and framing the debate as existential to Australia's economic security.
The political stoush began last Thursday when Liberal senator Andrew Bragg declared superannuation an "illiberal experiment," while One Nation leader Pauline Hanson labelled the system "broken" on Sunday.
Hanson argued Australians struggling with mortgage payments should access savings, stating, "It is their money, they have sacrificed it in lieu of pay," and proposed allowing funds for housing and medical needs.
Deputy Opposition leader Jane Hume rejected the Treasurer's claims, stating the Coalition would not change compulsory super, though she noted the party would consider early access policies for home ownership.
ASFA CEO Mary Delahunty defended the $4.5 trillion sector, noting reliance on the Age Pension has fallen 12 percent since 2012 and calling the system a "massive public policy success.