One Nation pushes ahead with controversial super policy

Pauline Hanson has doubled down on seeking to push through a policy that would give Australians early access to their superannuation savings.

Announced in September, One Nation’s Super Pay Boost seeks to allow people paying rent or a mortgage to opt in to divert a quarter of their superannuation to their take-home pay for up to three years.

Employers would still be required to pay the compulsory 12 per cent super, but funds would then pay the three per cent directly to policy participants; existing super would not be touched.

Mary Delahunty, the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia chief executive, said in September the policy would be “economically disastrous”.

Despite the criticism and little chance of the policy becoming law as it’s opposed by the government, Senator Hanson said on Wednesday that One Nation’s Treasury spokesperson Barnaby Joyce would move an amendment in the lower house in a bid to to establish the changes.

“Because of the cost of living crisis at the moment, I’m very concerned about a lot of people who are going to lose their homes because they can’t afford the mortgage,” Senator Hanson told reporters.

The One Nation leader said there was an obligation to assist those doing it tough, including rough sleepers and those experiencing homelessness.

She said she did not have any concerns the policy could be inflationary.

“I don’t, because they’re paying this money out as it is in rent. So what’s inflationary?” she said.

Asked how homeless Australians would benefit from a policy applying only to those proven to have a lease or mortgage, Senator Hanson made seemingly contradictory comments.

“It may actually help them to get into accommodation to pay that rent, because they can’t access the money unless they’re paying rent,” she said.

Senator Hanson said the policy would make a big difference for those struggling financially, and blamed the Albanese government’s “out-of-control spending” for rising inflation.