RiskBites - Compassionate release of superannuation

It might surprise many of our listeners to learn that compassionate grounds for the early release of superannuation have actually been around for a long time since 1 July 1994, shortly after Australia’s modern superannuation system was introduced.

And since 1 July 2018, it’s the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) that has been responsible for approving these applications.

This topic has been attracting a lot of attention lately, and not always for the right reasons. Heightened media coverage, combined with some unfortunate commentary, has led to questions being raised about the integrity of our profession.

In this episode of RiskBites, we unpack what’s really going on. We separate fact from fiction, talk through what compassionate release actually involves, and share practical guidance for navigating an area that’s now under close scrutiny. The goal is simple: to help our members feel informed, confident, and clear about their responsibilities in a rapidly evolving space.