RE: "they don't like the idea that you can spend your money how you like -when you like, and then call on the government to top up with a pension"
Who are they?
From what I understand, statistically very, very few people work hard to accumulate funds in super then spend a big chunk of it away in order to access more age pension. This isn't really an issue for the government, which is why in recent years the restrictions / limitations have changed from getting money out of super, to getting money in. Think of it like a funnel being turned 180 degrees.