Alternative retirement income strategies: A cohort analysis of lifetime redistribution

Abstract

This paper compares the lifetime redistribution and progressivity, within a cohort of males, of two retirement income systems. The current government strategy in Australia is to increase the role of occupational superannuation and maintain a means-tested age pension. The Institute of Actuaries of Australia has recommended a universal pension with a corresponding smaller role for occupational superannuation. In terms of lifetime inequality and progressivity measures, it is found that there is not a substantial difference between the two systems. Other issues, such as the benefit choice at retirement and differential mortality, are found to be more important in determining the lifetime redistributive impact of a retirement income strategy.