Financial Services Council (FSC) chief executive Sally Loane has reinforced the need for important policy reforms, particularly the introduction of a ‘default once’ system for superannuation.
Speaking at the launch of the Melbourne Mercer Global Pension Index at the FSC, she said there needed to be greater focus on the implementation of outstanding reforms to superannuation and retirement systems.
“We know Australia’s world class superannuation system is being held back by outdated policy settings that create inefficiencies and erode retirement savings,” Loane said.
“We continue to urge the Government, and Parliament, to implement the recommendations of both the Royal Commission and Productivity Commission to reform default superannuation by introducing a ‘default once’ system.”
This system would create a single default account for superannuation members, like a bank account or tax file number, which would allow a simpler transition process when moving jobs.
“Decoupling superannuation from the industrial relations system is an essential reform to deliver a superannuation system that is fit for purpose in a changing economy and increasingly flexible work patterns, where the numbers of people with more than job is rising,” Loane said.
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.
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