A new report has found the superannuation gap is failing to narrow, and women who take up carer duties are among those who lose out on superannuation.
24 years ago, Lyn Maciver's husband had a severe stroke at 58 years old. He was put into a coma for two and half months, and the prognosis was he would never walk or talk again. It was recommended to Lyn that she look for a nursing home for him. Faced with the absence of suitable care facilities for a 58-year-old, she assumed the role of his full-time caregiver. She decided they would move to their farm in central-west New South Wales.
The Super Members Council's analysis found that paying super on the Parental Leave Pay Scheme would leave a mother of two $12,500 better off at retirement and, therefore, make a meaningful reduction in the gender super gap, which currently sits at around $50,000. Georgia Brumby, executive general manager of advocacy at the Super Members Council, said they are very concerned by the results.