The Federal Government has dropped its $500,000 superannuation cap measure.
In a move aimed at placating the Coalition back-bench and ensuring the passage of the Government's broader superannuation package through the Parliament, Treasurer Scott Morrison confirmed the changes to the cap measure today.
The Treasurer said the $500,000 lifetime non-concessional cap will be replaced by a new measure to reduce the existing annual non-concessional contributions cap from $180,000 per year to $100,000 per year;
He said individuals aged under 65 will continue to be able to "bring forward" three years' worth of non-concessional contributions in recognition of the fact that such contributions are often made in lump sums; and that individuals with a superannuation balance of more than $1.6 million will no longer be eligible to make non-concessional (after tax) contributions from 1 July 2017.
The proposed reforms have been described as a key step towards delivering better products and retirement experiences for members, with many noting financial advice remains the “urgent missing piece” of the puzzle.
Jim Chalmers has defended changes to the Future Fund’s mandate, referring to himself as a “big supporter” of the sovereign wealth fund, amid fierce opposition from the Coalition, which has pledged to reverse any changes if it wins next year’s election.
In a new review of the country’s largest fund, a research house says it’s well placed to deliver attractive returns despite challenges.
Chant West analysis suggests super could be well placed to deliver a double-digit result by the end of the calendar year.