Superannuation and personal income tax reform

We explain and discuss the Simplified Superannuation measures introduced in 2006 and 2007. These measures may well live up to their name, at least after the five-year transition. Their estimated cost over the next four years is a modest $7.2 billion. Yet long term problems remain. Accordingly, we propose a further round of reforms. The aims are to make superannuation a better proposition for the less affluent, reduce double dipping, increase tax revenues two to three decades hence, and improve the risk-sharing properties of superannuation. Overall, our proposed reforms would improve the integration of superannuation with the personal income tax system.