Tinkering with superannuation laws has become a popular pastime for Australian governments. Does it jeopardise a hassle-free retirement?

Great, you’ve just rocked one of my hobby horses!

When it comes to superannuation, Governments are hopeless. They are less able to exercise self control than kids in a lolly shop.

The constant tinkering with super laws is absurd. Almost every time they act, people lose a little more faith in the system. Poor investment market performance has done enough to shatter confidence.

If normal investment rules were changed as regularly and drastically as they are for super, nobody would invest a cent in Australia. (Who would play Monopoly if the banker could change the rules when she got bored?)

The last big changes, “Simpler Super”, were only introduced in 2007. Two more inquiries due in coming months suggest they’re about to be drastically overhauled.

Two things seem clear: major changes are coming; and “wealthy” Australians are going to get smacked again.

Gen X is most at risk from any overhaul. The changes in July, which slashed super contribution limits, means Xers will have to start contributing more to super earlier, because they won’t be able to get enough in once they turn 50.

But their 40s is a time when they should be reducing the home loan, educating the kids and investing outside of super.

The Rudd Government seems intent on leaving its mark on super. They’d be far more popular if they left well enough alone.

Bruce Brammall is the author of Debt Man Walking (www.debtman.com.au) and a licensed financial adviser.