COVID-19 Economic Response

Ms BEDFORD (Florey) (15:07): My question is to the Premier, representing the Treasurer. What can be done to assist people hoping to avoid penalties that might exist for those who accessed funds via the COVID-19 early release super scheme last year who are now looking to make repayments or multiple payments to replenish their funds? With your leave, sir, and that of the house, I will explain.

Leave granted.

Ms BEDFORD: The height of last year's COVID-19 emergency saw early release withdrawals from super schemes by around 3.4 million Australians, each withdrawing up to $20,000 from their super funds—an overall $36 billion. More than 70 per cent now worry about their retirement security and fear working much longer than they would have liked. They wish to avoid penalties that might exist for those in the position to replace the funds they withdrew.

The Hon. S.S. MARSHALL (Dunstan—Premier) (15:08): I'm not sure it's a state Treasury matter. It might be something that the Treasurer has discussed in his capacity as the chair of the Board of Treasurers or in his capacity of being on the Council on Federal Financial Relations. Certainly, superannuation is a matter for the federal government. I fully appreciate the issue that has been raised by the member for Florey, but I'm not sure this is an issue our Treasurer has been involved in. If he has, I am happy to come back with an answer to the house.