Listen to Martin's podcast discussing the government's review into the retirement income system.

The SMSF sector had its 20th birthday this year so it’s opportune to look back and reflect on what has happened since. - Originally published in "Financial Standard"

Australia's compulsory superannuation system celebrates its 30th birthday next year and there is no clear alignment within our community on what we expect from our retirement income system and its three redoubtable pillars.

The Retirement Income Review’s Consultation Paper was published on time last week. Given the time pressures, this was a major achievement so congratulations to the whole team involved.

In any society that has seen an unprecedented and rapid increase in longevity, the ageing and retirement income policy settings are crucial. For this reason, the Government’s Review into the Retirement System is to be welcomed.

Normally any conversation about accessing superannuation is linked to retirement. But in superannuation, only people who have worked at some point can actually retire.

Is it just me or do we have a policy review on some topic or another announced every five minutes?

When a superannuation interest in retirement phase is subject to a family law split, there are two ways to report the Transfer Balance Account debit “event” depending on the type of payment split.

And they’re off! The long-awaited election campaign is now finally in full swing and babies are being kissed, working families praised and the nightly news shows too many politicians.

Those lucky enough to retire early – well before their preservation age – are often confused about when they can access their superannuation.

While the hearings sent shockwaves through Australia’s major financial institutions, I would describe the final report as being light on major structural reforms.

When we use the term “segregation” or refer to an asset as being “segregated” in a superannuation fund, we are generally referring to a tax concept which relates to funds providing retirement phase pensions.