Super Members Council (it was then called Industry Super Australia) commissioned Susan Bell Research to design an online survey that helped them understand the new ways that pre-retirees and recent retirees wre making decsions about work and retirement. Their aim was to use the research data to help them formulate policy positions when advocating on behalf of their members that took into account what peope in this age group were doing and thinking..

The research design:

• Nationally representative online survey with people aged 55 to 74
• Anyone who had or had had superannuation

Key insights:

• The ‘journey’ that Australians take from working to retirement is no longer linear. People stop work and then return, or stop work and start something new, or gradually slow down, or just stop. People with lower balances were more likely than others to return to work to meet daily living expenses or pay off debts.
• Therefore, people of this age group have diverse needs for superannuation products and advice.
• The proportion of people retiring with debt has increased over the last few decades.
• Members have limited understanding about how to get the most out of their super in retirement.
• SMC’s submission to Treasury can be accessed here.