There have been several comprehensive reviews that have rigorously assessed the superannuation system in Australia over the last decade or so. None of these has recommended the early release of superannuation for housing deposits, while several have made recommendations to the contrary.

The Retirement Income Review (Callaghan) report concluded that the Australian retirement income system is effective, sound and its costs are broadly sustainable. This paper examines the report's suggested 'optimal use' of superannuation savings, suggesting it is not in fact practicable and proposing alternative drawdown arrangements to ensure adequate and secure retirement incomes.

This review report covers the current state of the superannuation system and how it will perform in the future as Australians live longer and the population ages. The review considered the incentives for people to self-fund their retirement, the fiscal sustainability of the system, the role of the three pillars of the retirement income system...

This report informed the work of the 2020 Retirement Income Review, by presenting results from an online survey about retirement planning, saving and attitudes.

Australia’s $3 trillion superannuation system is the fourth largest in the world and is responsible for managing the retirement savings of 16 million Australians. This document outlines some reform options to make the superannuation system better for members.