The current superannuation system, which is based on lifetime earnings, provides much greater tax benefits to those with the capacity to contribute more during their working life and high balances to support tax free pensions in retirement.
Economic Security 4 Women is an alliance of women’s organisations united in the belief that economic wellbeing and financial security are essential for women and will enable women of all ages to have an equal place in society.
This document is based on work done by members of the Social Policy Committee in submissions to those inquiries, and in the Gender Budget document that has been prepared in response to the Federal Budget with additional material from eS4W and its member organisation FECCA. Relevant NFAW submissions are attached as appendices to this paper.
This document is based on work done by members of the Social Policy Committee in submissions to those inquiries, and in the Gender Budget document that has been prepared in response to the Federal Budget with additional material from eS4W and its member organisation FECCA. Relevant NFAW submissions are attached as appendices to this paper.
In Australia there are three pillars for retirement incomes – income support, superannuation and individual savings. This section addresses women and income support in the retirement incomes system.
NFAW and the Equality Rights Alliance submit that tax reform must be examined through a gendered lens to identify any impact that reform may have on women. Specifically, the economic impact on women are often the result of gender blindness that does not recognise the different effect that policies have on women because of the circumstances of women’s lives.
In recent consultations with women throughout Australia, women identified a range of issues as relevant in determining the extent to which they are able to engage in the work force.
NFAW believes the process of Reform of Australia’s Future Tax System, and the October 2011 Tax Forum are a key opportunities to introduce changes which will enhance gender equality in the work-place, together with the promotion of greater fiscal vertical equity.
This paper examines the experience of Australian women during recent recessions in order to construct a framework within which the policy response to the current recession can be assessed and improved. The recessions of the early 1980s and the early 1990s are examined and compared with the brief experience so far of the present recession.
