Female workers would be assisted if couples were allowed to pool their superannuation fund balances, according to new research undertaken by Super Review.
A survey undertaken by Super Review during the Conference of Major Superannuation Funds (CMSF) in March canvassed the fact that women and carers were at a disadvantage within the superannuation system and ways in which they might be helped.
Asked what they believed would help address the superannuation disadvantage of women and carers, most respondents supported pooling between couples.
The survey revealed that 43.3 per cent of respondents supported pooling, followed by 23.2 per cent who backed specific additional tax concessions and 20 per cent who believed a higher superannuation guarantee should be put in place in place for women.
Interestingly, in the context of the current Federal Election, there was strong support for removing the current Government’s superannuation guarantee time-table, with nearly 60 per cent respondents stating it should be increased to 12 per cent as soon as possible.
In its pre-election policy document, the FSC highlighted 15 priority reforms, with superannuation featuring prominently, urging both major parties to avoid changing super taxes without a comprehensive tax review.
The Grattan Institute has labelled the Australian super system as “too complicated” and has proposed a three-pronged reform strategy to simplify superannuation in retirement.
Super funds delivered a strong 2024 result, with the median growth fund returning 11.4 per cent, driven by strong international sharemarket performance, new data has shown.
Australian Ethical has seen FUM growth of 27 per cent in the financial year to date.