QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE: TAKE NOTE OF ANSWERS

Senator HANSON (Queensland—Leader of One Nation) (15:29): I move: That the Senate take note of the answer given by the Minister for Finance (Senator Gallagher) to a question without notice I asked today relating to superannuation. Today I asked the government about superannuation and One Nation's proposal to have a superannuation scheme where workers have the ability to take one-quarter or three per cent of their super out of their existing fund or moving forward.

Australians are working hard, yet rent, mortgage payments, groceries, power bills, petrol and insurance keep swallowing more of their pay. One Nation believes Australians need relief now, not decades from now. Our three per cent super pay boost will give renters and owners-occupiers a choice.

For up to three years, they can receive one-quarter of their future compulsory super contributions as tax advantaged take-home pay. Employers will keep paying the full 12 per cent. At least nine per cent will remain invested for retirement, while three per cent can be paid directly by the super fund into the member's bank account.

Existing super balances will remain untouched. Participation will be voluntary and limited to people paying rent or a mortgage on a home they live in, not investment properties. The payment will retain the concessional tax treatment it would receive inside super.

A full-time worker earning about $90,500 could receive around $2,300 a year or $44 a week after tax. A working couple earning $168,000 could receive about $4,300 a year or $82 a week. Employers face no payroll changes, new reporting or extra costs.

Australians should decide whether their money helps them in retirement or keeps a roof over their heads today. One Nation trusts Australians with that choice. Labor believes superannuation is their piggy bank.

Industry super funds collect billions of dollars in fees from workers comp compulsory retirement savings, while millions of dollars flow from those funds into Labor Party coffers. Labor is not acting in Australians' best interests. It is protecting the super fund fee machine and the flow of donations into its own party coffers.

One Nation has never, ever advocated to get rid of super or make changes to it. We support it, and we support superannuation. What Labor isn't saying is that most people who retire don't even touch their superannuation.

So you're best to help the Australians now who are struggling with the cost of living. I'd rather see those people keep the roof over their head, not lose their home. Support them now rather than what happens about 30 or 40 years down the track.

Question agreed to.