Compulsory Superannuation and Australian Generational Accounts

This paper investigates the potential effects of compulsory superannuation (saving for retirement) and related policies on the relative fiscal burdens to be borne by different generations of Australians. The methodology used is based on generational accounting, which allows the estimation of the present values of average remaining lifetime net payments to government by different generations under various scenarios. Conservatively estimated superannuation induced reductions on age pension payouts are found not to change significantly the fiscal burdens of generations alive on 1995-96; however, the effects of such reductions on the generational balance of fiscal policy on the future could be more important. The existence of unfunded superannuation entitlements of government employees is also shown to represent a potentially burden on future generations.