LINDA BURNEY MP
SHADOW MINISTER FOR FAMILIES AND SOCIAL SERVICES
MEMBER FOR BARTON

STEPHEN JONES MP
SHADOW ASSISTANT TREASURER
SHADOW MINISTER FOR FINANCIAL SERVICES
MEMBER FOR WHITLAM


GOVERNMENT WANTS WOMEN TO RAID SUPER TO ESCAPE VIOLENCE

Instead of providing women the support they need to escape domestic violence, Scott Morrison’s latest plan is to force women to raid their superannuation.

Denying adequate support but encouraging women to deplete their hard-earned retirement savings sends the clear message to women in abusive relationships that they are on their own.

Women should not be forced to raid their retirement savings to escape violence and danger.

And whether or not a woman and her children can live with safety should not depend on her super balance.

The Government should instead be investing in more housing, better services and flexible support to help women and their children leave violence.

The Government should also be investing in more programs to remove perpetrators from the home.

Women already have significantly less super than men. This could mean they have none.

Under the ill-conceived early access superannuation scheme, more than two million Australians have been forced to raid their retirement savings, instead of receiving timely government support.

Over half the money was withdrawn by people under the age of 35 in the absence of the Government providing timely support.

Labor doesn’t want to see the failure of the Government to adequately invest in domestic violence services become another catalyst for that gender super gap to widen.

We know the Government has already botched the early access scheme with a 300% increase in money being spent on gambling from those who access funds.

There is no guarantee that the early access scheme won’t be used by abusive partners to get access to women's super – leaving women worse off.

Every Australian deserves a dignified retirement, but the Government’s message to women is, pay now and pay later.

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 000. For sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling services call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit www.1800RESPECT.org.au