The number of people seeking early release superannuation in just one week has broken through the half a million mark.
The latest data from the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority has revealed that 581,000 applications were received for early release of which 472,000 were repeat applications.
It said this brought the total number of initial applications to 2.8 million and repeat applications to 0.8 million since the inception of the scheme.
“Over the week to 12 July, superannuation funds made payments to 734,000 members, bringing the total number of payments by funds to their members to approximately 3.3 million since inception,” it said.
“The total value of payments during the week was $6.2 billion, with $25.3 billion paid since inception. The average payment made over the period since inception is $7,718 overall and $8,755 when considering repeat applications only.”
IFM Investors has urged for government-industry collaboration to accelerate projects, unlock capital, and deliver long-term returns for Australians.
With super funds turning increasingly to private credit to lift returns, experts have cautioned that the high-yield asset class carries hidden risks that are often misunderstood.
The super fund has confirmed its chair Andrew Fraser plans to retire at its upcoming annual member meeting in November.
Australia’s superannuation sector is being held back by overlapping and outdated regulation, ASFA says, with compliance costs almost doubling in seven years – a drain on member returns and the economy alike.