A Morrison government proposal to force women fleeing violence to ransack their meagre superannuation savings is under review after stakeholder groups raised concerns.
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Legislating early access to up to $10,000 in cases of family violence and giving courts access to tax data on super during family law proceedings is on the cards ahead of the May federal budget.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said it was under review after consultations with stakeholders.
"They've raised strong concerns about the nature of that measure," he told parliament on Wednesday.
"We're listening to those concerns and that measure is now under review."
Labor is concerned the government's plan could trigger financially motivated violence by giving abusers another means by which to extort money from their victims.
"This is a final insult to the women of Australia," Labor backbencher Ged Kearney said.
"What a double whammy. This is at a time when we know women over 55 are the fastest-growing group of people in our homeless community."
Instead, Labor wants the government to immediately institute paid domestic violence leave to give women and children a safe means to flee abuse and to fund more housing and support services.
"To all those women who have felt gaslighted, who have felt undermined by this prime minister, vote him out," Ms Kearney said.
Women already have significantly less money saved for their retirement than men, and men obtain more of an advantage from current tax breaks on contributions.
Prior to the prime minister's remarks Minister for Superannuation Jane Hume said the government was committed to making support available in times of critical need.
"Family and domestic violence is a despicable reality," Senator Hume said.
"Early release of superannuation provisions already exist on compassionate grounds, this is an extension of those provisions to include domestic violence."
Australian Associated Press
