Jelena Dokic slams government superannuation legislation
Jelena Dokic has lashed out at the government's proposed superannuation plan, saying it would stop women in vulnerable positions being able to get the financial help they need.
On ABC's Q+A, the tennis champion-turned-commentator shared her own story of being forced to flee a violent home at the age of 19, and the financial burden of such a difficult situation.
While she said she’d been lucky to have her professional tennis career to support her, she said most women did not have the financial means or stability to flee.
Her comments come after Treasurer Jim Chalmers began a proposal to legislate a new superannuation objective plan, meaning superannuation money would exclusively be reserved for retirement income, with Aussies being unable to draw on these funds in times of crisis.
Ms Dokic said the matter was not “black and white”.
“There are a lot of different areas where I think you should be able to access it (super),” Dokic said.
“I think there is so much we’re seeing today when it comes to domestic violence, for example; women are so afraid to leave and one of the reasons is because they feel like they won’t be able to start again – they won’t be able to set themselves up."
“I was in that position when I was 19. I was just lucky with the fact that I was a professional athlete. I had the ability to go and earn a living, but I left home with nothing. I was basically on the street."
“There are so many women out there that are in the same position, so maybe making it where you can withdraw $10,000 and put your money to use when you really need it."
“There are so many people who are not even going to be able to get to retirement or be able to have a dignified retirement because they are not going to make it. They might not even be here.”
As superannuation legislation currently stands, access to superannuation before the age of 65, is limited only to situations where someone is permanently incapacitated, has a physical or mental condition which prevents them from working, is dying, or their loved one is.
There are also provisions for severe financial hardship, but domestic violence is not specifically mentioned.
Dr Chalmers' proposal follows the release of $36 billion of Australians’ super during Covid-19, where early access was allowed during the initial months of the pandemic.
To that, Dr Chalmers has vowed “never again”, saying his proposal would ensure Australians are less reliant on government subsidies in their retirement.
Image credits: Q+A