Anne Ruston (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Families and Social Services) Share this | Hansard source

The specific nature of the assets that are held by an individual would be determined by the circumstances of that individual as to whether those assets are considered part of any asset test. In some circumstances the superannuation may be considered in the liquid asset test. However, I would actually point out to this chamber that the fundamental basis of our welfare system has never changed. It remains the same today as it has always been—we are very consistent—and that is that the Australian welfare system expects Australians to rely on and draw down their own resources before they ask the taxpayers of Australia to support them. The taxpayers of Australia, I could probably speak for them, are more than happy to help other Australians, but the basic and fundamental premise that people support themselves first has never changed.