Thanks for your replies Skypilot and Enn which were very informative and while I don't totally agree with Enn's suggestions re means testing and tax-free-status in pension phase of Super etc. [because why would one take a Super Pension if there is no tax advantage unless they were frail and elderly and incapable of looking after basic investments]. I do agree however "Something needs to be done about the age pension. The country simply cannot afford to keep it in its present form." Also in my opinion welfare cuts are overdue in many other sections of the federal budget ahead of cutting the aged pension payouts. So much waste is profligate in the Public Service especially in Canberra and the refugee and detention centre costs must be slashed one way or another.
