Grattan Institute

Despite government increases to this social benefit, the Melbourne-based think tank argues retirees in the housing rental market are struggling to make ends meet – especially single women.

Industrial and convenience retail are the real estate hot spots offering growth, solid and regular yield and capital security. Little wonder it is attracting SMSF investment – especially with lower interest rates beckoning.

More people are permanently leaving the workforce with larger balances and healthy lifestyles. It should be a recipe for a happy and secure retirement, but research shows many are stressed by a retirement income system they simply don’t understand.

In a special sitting Thursday, Parliament will vote on proposed price caps for coal and gas, which the government says will help curb soaring energy bills. Producers, which oppose the plan, have already seen their share prices drop.

The debate about whether compulsory employer superannuation contributions should be increased from the current level of 9.5 per cent is constantly simmering, waiting for the next opportunity to boil over.