The superannuation accounts of workers at Dubbo trail behind those in multiple inland cities and the national average, new data shows, spelling potential implications for their retirement.
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The average superannuation balance in the 2830 postcode is $114,624, the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA) reports.
That puts Dubbo in the top three in the Parkes electorate, after Warren and Moree, which have average balances of $120,773 and $118,043 respectively.
But Dubbo is lagging behind both Bathurst and Orange by more than $12,000 and behind Wagga Wagga by more than $19,500.
The Parkes electorate average balance, $106,539, is $27,104 less than the NSW average and $26,107 less than the national average.
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Lightning Ridge residents have an average super balance of just $51,372, the lowest in the electorate.
Wellington had the lowest average balance in the Calare electorate, at $91,592.
ASFA chief Dr Martin Fahy said that geographic factors could strongly influence account balances, with those in regional town centres tending to be higher than for outer suburbs and rural areas.
Couples aged about 65 need to spend about $61,061 a year to achieve a comfortable retirement, whereas singles need to spend $43,255, according to the ASFA.
The compulsory superannuation guarantee of 9.5 per cent is set to rise incrementally from 2021, and reach 12 per cent by 2025.
Last month the Morrison government signalled a major overhaul of the sector by 2021, when the guarantee will start rising.
Some Coalition backbench MPs are concerned increasing the super guarantee will make it harder for employers to keep staff and offer them pay rises, but Labor has warned against any moves away from the policy.
The ASFA continues to champion the scheduled rise. Dr Fahy said all Australians wanted to achieve a comfortable retirement.
"The legislated increase in the superannuation guarantee to 12 per cent will play an important role in helping more people achieve this," Dr Fahy said.
"However, if this doesn't reach 12 per cent, many Australians, including those from the Central West, risk missing out on the retirement lifestyle they imagined."
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