Australian superannuation account balances have reached a record high of $172,834 on average, according to research released today by the super sector’s peak body, ASFA.
The research shows strong account balance growth across all demographics, with account holders aged 65-69 now averaging $420,934 in retirement savings. Among the nearly 18 million account holders aged 15 and over, males average $192,119 while females average $154,641.
While a gender gap in account balances remains, the gap is closing. Females now hold 43.6 per cent of the country’s super savings, up from 41.9 per cent five years previously. Recently announced changes to the Low-Income Superannuation Tax Offset (LISTO) are expected to reduce the gender gap further.
“The increase in the superannuation guarantee to 12 percent combined with strong investment returns from super funds mean Australians have more savings than ever put away for retirement. This is great news,” said ASFA CEO Mary Delahunty.
The research shows the superannuation system has generated $1 trillion in savings that Australians would not otherwise have accumulated. A 30-year-old median wage earner with $30,000 already saved in super is now on track to retire with $610,000, above the $595,000 needed for a comfortable retirement.
“The superannuation system is helping Aussies achieve much more economic independence in retirement than would be possible if the system wasn’t set up three decades ago. And that’s crucial, because economic independence is closely tied to a dignified post-work life. The system is doing what it was designed to do, for more and more people every year,” Ms Delahunty said.
Fewer Australians than ever before are relying primarily on the age pension, with super increasingly becoming the main source of retirement income. This is an historical shift in terms of how Australians fund retirement.
“The visionaries of the superannuation system foresaw an Australia that was less reliant on taxpayer-funded retirement, even as the population aged, because Australians would have substantial retirement savings of their own. More than thirty years later, we are seeing the fruits of that thinking in action,” Ms Delahunty said.
Data presented in the research paper includes:
- Average and median super account balances by age and sex
- Number of people with a super account by age and sex
- The number of super accounts held by individuals
- Sources of income in retirement
This research complements ASFA’s recent geographic analysis of superannuation balances across Australia, which revealed the average account balances in cities and towns across the country. Average super balances in state and territory capitals range from around $224,000 in Canberra to $152,000 in Darwin. The research identified the average age of a population, domestic migration patterns, and local income levels as drivers of these regional differences.
For further information, please contact:
ASFA media team
0451 949 300
mediaunit@superannuation.asn.au
About the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA)
ASFA, the voice of super, has been operating since 1962 and is the peak policy, research and advocacy body for Australia’s superannuation industry. ASFA represents the APRA regulated superannuation industry with over 100 organisations as members from corporate, industry, retail and public sector funds, and service providers. We develop policy positions through collaboration with our diverse membership base and use our deep technical expertise and research capabilities to assist in advancing outcomes for Australians.
We unite the superannuation community, supporting our members with research, advocacy, education and collaboration to help Australians enjoy a dignified retirement. We promote effective practice and advocate for efficiency, sustainability and trust in our world-class retirement income system.