Pauline Hanson accused of wanting to 'destroy' compulsory super as she flags major change: 'It's their money'

By NICHOLAS COMINO, POLITICAL REPORTER, AUSTRALIA Published: 06:54, 16 August 2026 | Updated: 06:54, 16 August 2026 One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has been accused of wanting to 'destroy' the compulsory superannuation system after she suggested Australians should be given their money now. All Australian employers are required to pay a minimum percentage of an employee’s earnings, 12 per cent, into a nominated super fund. During an interview with News24 on Sunday, Hanson said many Australians struggling with mortgage repayments and the rising cost of living should have easier access to their retirement savings. 'There's a lot in that one with compulsory superannuation,' Hanson said. 'A lot of Australians are doing it tough now and struggling to pay off their mortgages.' 'In some ways, I feel that you should give them their money now and let them help them with the cost of living.' Hanson argued superannuation belonged to workers, not governments or super funds, saying: ‘It is their money... They’ve sacrificed it in lieu of pay.’  The party leader added the system was originally designed to reduce reliance on the age pension but questioned whether it is still serving that purpose.  Pauline Hanson (pictured) said her comments about superannuation were misrepresented  ‘A lot of people pulling out their superannuation, spending it, then end up on the age pension anyway,’ Hanson said.  'I think the whole system is broken, to tell you the truth.' She also referenced One Nation’s long-standing policy to allow Australians to use superannuation to buy a home. ‘Under One Nation we brought out the policy that you could use superannuation to put a deposit on your own home loan,’ she said. 'Let people use that money to help them now in a state of crisis.' 'Superannuation should be lightened up a bit so people can utilise this money in times of crisis. It is their money.' Treasurer Jim Chalmers seized on the remarks, accusing One Nation of undermining Australia’s retirement savings system.  'One Nation wants to destroy the compulsory superannuation system, just like the Liberals and the Nationals,' Chalmers wrote on social media. Jim Chalmers (pictured) accused One Nation of wanting to ‘destroy’ superannuation  'They are all a threat to the retirement incomes and economic security of Australian workers. Labor built Australia’s super system, and we’ll always defend it.’  Hanson’s criticism followed remarks by shadow housing minister Andrew Bragg during a National Press Club speech this week.  Bragg also questioned Australia's compulsory system, asking whether the 12 per cent super guarantee delivers enough benefit.  He also accused the Albanese government of favouring super funds linked to unions, such as CBUS and Australian Super. ‘Labor has created a system where their friends control billions and occupy a quarter of the ASX,’ he said. 'This has enriched unions and banks, but stolen choice and agency from Australians.'