Letter

In response to Australia faces a looming crisis of older women retiring in poverty

Retire our unfair superannuation system

Misha Schubert’s essay should resonate with anyone who cares about equity and justice. As she so eloquently reminds us, “care” is predominantly provided by women. Its value is inadequately recognised: to a huge degree it is hidden and unpaid; when it is paid, the pay and conditions are poor.

This is an important reason — but far from the only reason — for the alarming rate of poverty among older women.

Changes to the nation’s superannuation system will not, however, achieve more than minor improvements. Our much-lauded super system is in effect a revers Robin Hood scheme: it further entrenches in retirement the disparities in income and wealth of people’s working years.

We should retire our unfair super system and introduce a universal basic income for all. Think about it: a dignified “living wage” for everyone, including all those who currently miss out: informal carers; sick, disabled, unemployed, old. A radical change, for a radically better society.

Richard Barnes from Melbourne