Wendy Askew (Tasmania, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

At the request of Senator Bragg, I move:

That the following matter be referred to the Economics References Committee for inquiry and report by the last sitting day of 2023:

The fairness and efficiency of savings vehicles in Australia, with particular reference to:

(a) savings and wealth patterns of Australians across their working life and retirement;

(b) the relative attractiveness of savings vehicles, including differences in tax treatment and the appropriateness of other incentives;

(c) the relationship between the Age Pension, compulsory superannuation and voluntary savings to support retirement incomes;

(d) the role of home ownership in building wealth and supporting retirement incomes;

(e) the impact of macroeconomic conditions and associated policy responses on Australian's savings and wealth patterns;

(f) how Australia's policy settings to encourage saving and wealth creation compare internationally; and

(g) any other related matters.

Anthony Chisholm (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Assistant Minister for Education) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Anthony Chisholm (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Assistant Minister for Education) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

It is less than two years since the previous government's retirement income review, which canvassed in great detail all the matters in Senator Bragg's motion. Senator Bragg should read that review, commissioned by his own side of politics, instead of constantly looking for ways to reignite his ideological war on superannuation. The Albanese government has already moved on from this. Senator Bragg's real agenda is the destruction of universal super. He has been upfront about that and made that very clear from his first speech. Our focus is on delivering the strongest possible retirement outcomes for working Australians into the future.

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The question is that business of the Senate notice of motion No. 2 moved by Senator Askew at the request of Senator Bragg be agreed to.