Submission: Review of the early release of superannuation benefits

In this submission, RLC focuses on the impact of current evidentiary requirements for the early release of superannuation benefits on victims of family and domestic violence.

RLC’s credit and debt team regularly encounter vulnerable consumers who, for a range of reasons, want to seek early access to their superannuation.

Recently, we have expanded this work and are currently establishing a dedicated state-wide financial abuse legal service in New South Wales.

We endorse the submission by the Financial Rights Legal Centre, and make additional comments in relation to draft proposal 7 of the issues paper concerning victims of family and domestic violence, specifically on the issue of evidence.

RLC does not support the need for victims to provide judicial evidence or two pieces of specific non-judicial evidence to confirm the individual is a victim of family and domestic violence.

RLC’s recommendation is to lower evidentiary requirements because there are many reasons why victims of family and domestic violence may not be willing or able to seek a court order, speak to police or engage with local services.