Act Now or Pay Later: Political Cowardice on Super Age Risks Public Services

The Taxpayers’ Union is calling on the Government to urgently raise the age of superannuation eligibility in light of a newly released Treasury briefing warning of deep cuts to core services like health and education unless major spending reforms are undertaken.

Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said:

“Kicking the can down the road is not an option. Treasury’s warning is clear – unless we make tough but fair decisions now, future generations will be stuck with worse public services, higher taxes, and an economy strangled by debt.”

"Government expenditure outside superannuation and health is already excessive.  Stronger fiscal consolidation is needed immediately.  Minister Willis’ target of core Crown expenditure not exceeding thirty percent of GDP not only looks unachievable under current policies, it is insufficient."

“The Taxpayers’ Union is urging the Government to begin incrementally lifting the eligibility age to 67 over the coming decade, in line with moves already adopted by comparable nations such as Australia, the UK, and the USA.”

“Raising the super age is one of the most obvious and responsible steps we can take. We are living longer, healthier lives, yet we continue to pay billions more each year in superannuation without any adjustment. It’s unaffordable.”

“It’s time for political courage and long-term thinking. The sooner we act, the fairer and smoother the transition will be. Pretending there isn’t a problem only makes the eventual fix more painful.”