Budget 2022: Treasurer reassures retirees as budget super tax fight looms

The Weekend Australian

26 -27 March 2022

GEOFF CHAMBERS CHIEF POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT

Self-funded retirees will be allowed to store more cash in their nest eggs to shield them against global security threats and market volatility, as Josh Frydenberg sets up a budget clash with Labor over superannuation tax.

Ahead of delivering his fourth budget and the government’s cost-of-living package, tipped to include $250 payments and a temporary cut to fuel excise, Mr Frydenberg made a pre-election pledge that the Coalition will not “increase superannuation taxes”.

Announcing an extension of the 50 per cent reduction in minimum drawdown requirements to mid-2023, impacting about 1.8 million superannuation accounts, the Treasurer said his message to older Australians was “your super is safe with us”.

“This will provide retirees with greater flexibility and certainty over their savings. We recognise the valuable contribution self-funded retirees make to the Australian economy and the sacrifices they made to provide for their retirement,” Mr Frydenberg said.

“At this election, we are again saying to retirees – under a Morrison government there will be no increased superannuation taxes.

“It’s not a guarantee Labor can be trusted to match. Labor sees success as something to be taxed, not celebrated.

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