It seems retirees have had enough of politicians constantly moving the goal posts when it comes to their retirement, with the Association of Independent Retirees releasing its election policy priorities, which predominantly call on all political parties to stop causing anxiety for retirees by changing the rules of superannuation, tax and concessions on retirement incomes.
Wayne Strandquist, acting president of the Association, said with just under two million retirees who partly or fully self-funded their retirement, the greater majority were not wealthy, and found it difficult to make ends meet in the current climate.
“All retirees, who partly or fully fund their retirement, seek is a fair go and some independence in managing their lives, their health, and their retirement savings”, Strandquist said.
Among its proposed policies, the Association called for no more fiddling with superannuation and retirement savings and to reduce the minimum superannuation drawdown percentage for those over 75.
As well, it proposed that self-employed workers or those with no superannuation should be able to transfer a capped value of their assets to superannuation with capital gains tax exemption.
It also refuted Labor’s proposed changes to negative gearing and called for the retainment of existing negative gearing arrangements on pre-owned investment properties.
The $300 billion fund has announced the development of a new flexible lifetime income option in partnership with TAL.
As regulators spur funds to focus on Australia’s ageing population and overseas players voice their interests, professionals expect a boost in innovative activity in super.
Over half of Australians hope to live to 100 years, according to MetLife, and 90 per cent believe retirement should be redefined to account for a longer lifespan.
Two actuaries have urged for an overhaul of the current retirement framework to better prepare Australians for the future and improve the accessibility of general financial advice.
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