This report uses data and economic modelling to show how Australian women’s economic security in retirement is often shaped by life events such as separation, informal care demands and family violence that can set women back financially towards the end of their working lives. These life events can exacerbate existing inequalities, including women’s lower average superannuation balances, lower earnings and lower rates of participation in paid work than men. 

The report proposes with the right policy settings, gender gaps can be addressed to put more women on track for economic security in retirement.

Key recommendations

• Unfreeze the Low-Income Super Tax Offset to help low-income women to build their super.
• Close gendered loopholes in super coverage including through payday super reforms, and by paying super for all workers including nannies, housekeepers and carers, and for all workers aged under 18.
• Remove barriers to women’s workforce participation by boosting access to childcare and aged care and strengthen workplace flexibility.
• Enable fairer splitting of super in divorce settlements whether or not they are handled in a court.
• Boost Commonwealth Rent Assistance to give immediate help, and invest in new social housing over the medium-term, to protect vulnerable older women who are renting or at risk of homelessness.
• Make the super and age pension systems simpler and easier to navigate.