Would this change to super make a difference for you?

At the core of the report is the recommendation that all homeowners be allowed to make mortgage payments tax deductible, instead of only those who own a second or third property.

“One option would be make the family home part of the assets test for the Age Pension and change superannuation payments to an after income tax payment, with all other super tax concessions removed,” said Professor Martin.

“Alternatively, mortgage payments on the family home could be allowed to be made pre-tax.”

Treasurer Joe Hockey mentioned this idea earlier in the year and was almost universally slammed on the grounds it would damage the integrity of the super system and push house prices up even more.

Another area the think-tank says needs review is super concessions: “Obviously taxation arrangements need review because currently concessions are benefiting the rich and are being used as tax mitigation measures rather than to encourage retirement savings.”

But the major finding of the report is similar to that of the National Reform Summit: that we need to roll up our sleeves and rethink the whole system.

“There has been a lot of talk and tweaking of retirement policy aimed at reducing the burden on government, but what Australia needs is a robust discussion on all the options to ensure long term Australians can retire comfortably.

“We strongly agree with the sentiments at last week’s National Reform Summit that tinkering at the edges is no longer an option and that discussion needs to broaden on this important issue. “The system needs to be reviewed in its entirety. Ensuring retirement policies are not too onerous on the Federal Budget should be an outcome, but the focus must be on ensuring a sustainable system that delivers an adequate living standard for retirees.”