Tackle super through tax reform
The Federal Government should drop certain superannuation policy changes proposed in the 2016 Budget and tackle structural budget problems through holistic tax reform, a professional account body opined.
The Institute of Public Accountants joined others in urging the Federal Government to drop certain superannuation policy changes, in particular the lifetime cap of $500,000 on non-concessional contributions backdated to 1 July, 2007, and the $1.6 million cap on pension-phase balances.
IPA chief executive officer, Andrew Conway, also urged the government in taking super out of the budgetary cycle and cease the tinkering, adding the Government should only make long-term changes once it enshrines the purpose of super.
"Justifying these changes on the basis it only impacts a small proportion of the population does not justify backdating their impact," Conway said.
"The impact on people's long-term financial savings to fund 30 years of retirement defeats the purpose of what superannuation was meant to address.
"Successive governments have encouraged citizens to provide for their own retirement but retrospective policy changes have made many people feel anxious."
Conway also suggested considering strategies outside of super to fund retirement as part of a wider review of retirement income policy.
AUTHOR
Malavika Santhebennur
Recommended for you
The Compensation Scheme of Last Resort has released the FY26 revised levy estimate, but the FAAA is concerned costs will be pushed into the following year.
Former Iress chief executive, Andrew Walsh, has been promoted to chair of a boutique Sydney advisory firm, having stepped down from the same position at Mason Stevens.
Results are out for the latest sitting of the ASIC financial advice exam, with the pass rate falling for the second consecutive sitting.
The finalists for the 2025 Australian Wealth Management Awards have been revealed, shining a spotlight on the top performers and rising stars across the nation’s wealth sector.
