Shotgun early super release ‘to come back and bite’: Researcher

SuperRatings has called for a reshaping the current proposal for early release of super to those in financial stress, which currently would allow individuals to withdraw $10,000 before July and a further $10,000 in the next financial year, tax-free. 

The researcher is concerned the eligibility criteria is open to virtually anyone on a self-assessment basis to make a claim with the potential for rorting the system being significant. 

SuperRatings also expressed fear that as a result of unnecessary claims, some funds will be forced to freeze withdrawals to protect remaining members.

“This is not new. Every financial crisis has resulted in a small number of investment funds being frozen, although this might be a first for super funds,” the researcher said in its analysis.

It has calculated, based on ASIC’s MoneySmart calculator using a growth option with an assumed investment return of 5 per cent before fees and taxes on earnings, $20,000 out of a 35-year-old’s account over the next 12 months will forego around $80,000 in future benefits. 

Jeff Bresnahan, chairman of SuperRatings has said “there must be a better way”, noting nearly all of the scheme’s problems will arise because its eligibility criteria is too generous. 

“This shotgun approach has the potential to come back and bite the government, hard,” Mr Bresnahan said. 

“The focus absolutely needs to be on those who truly do need access to cash, and fast. Quite simply, those displaced from their jobs due to this horrific COVID-19 virus. In reality, those in hardship. This shouldn’t be a self-assessment process for all Australians.

“The government has less than three weeks to tweak what is a valid and morally sound strategy to protect, as best they can, the financial stability of those who have been displaced due to COVID-19 consequences. The idea is sound – the execution not the greatest."

SuperRatings has proposed three options to improve the early raid measure: 

1. Allow funds to take a loan out from the RBA to meet all claims, which would be secured against members’ benefits and repayable after a period such as five years. Members would supposedly then be able to recoup lost investment earnings, while the government is protected, individuals get emergency funding and the funds don’t have to sell assets into a declining market. 
2. A variation on the first option, but with the ATO handling all claims, making all payments and retaining the loan register. SuperRatings said this is a cleaner payment portal and protects the government, member and fund.
3. Protect funds against having to sell into declining markets by ensuring that payments are only made to those in genuine hardship (which SuperRatings has defined as having registered as unemployed or being stood down and remain so after four weeks). 

“By winding back the eligibility criteria, the level of claims will be lower and hence more manageable. This in turn creates more flexibility for the government on how to best work with the funds to ensure those in need receive assistance as quickly as possible,” SuperRatings stated.

“Opening the floodgates to allow virtually anyone and everyone to drag up to $20,000 out of their super fund, with the current market volatility, is not the answer. All this after bipartisan governments have spent over 27 years – and half a working lifetime – getting Australians’ retirement savings into shape.”