Government dumps plan to allow domestic violence victims to withdraw superannuation

A controversial plan to allow domestic violence survivors fleeing abusive relationships to access thousands of dollars from their superannuation accounts is no longer federal government policy. Key points: Critics of the proposal said abuse victims should not have to fund their escapes from dangerous situations Minister for Superannuation Jane Hume said the plan would be dropped if their were no safeguards Minister for Women Marise Payne told Senate estimates the government was no longer going ahead with the proposal The measure was first floated in 2018 as part of a suite of proposals aimed at helping women during relationship breakdowns. Family violence support services: 1800 Respect national helpline 1800 737 732 Men's Referral Service 1300 766 491 Lifeline 131 114 In Senate estimates on Monday night, Minister for Women Marise Payne confirmed the government had dumped the policy after feedback from superannuation funds, legal groups and family violence experts. "There was support for the measure from some, but also a number of stakeholders who raised concerns that the measure will disproportionately affect victims and survivors of domestic violence compared to perpetrators, and that it would be difficult to square the requirements of readier access to funds through early release of super with the sorts of appropriate protections from potential financial abuse and coercion," Senator Payne said.