Former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull believes the Morrison government should resist a push to delay an increase in superannuation.
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The super guarantee is legislated to incrementally rise from 9.5 per cent to 12 per cent, starting with a modest move to 10 per cent next year.
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has indicated the government is weighing up delaying the increase amid growing pressure from within the coalition.
Mr Turnbull said the country would be better off sticking to the legislated rise.
"It's been a great Australian achievement, and I think chipping away at it is unfortunate," he told ABC television on Monday.
The former Liberal leader acknowledged it was a vexed issue, with many libertarians inside his party arguing the money is better in people's hands now.
"That's all a bit patronising to be honest," Mr Turnbull said.
The legislated increase is due to take effect on July 1 next year.
Mr Turnbull also criticised the government's coronavirus support measure which allows people to access retirement savings early.
The scheme has seen $32 billion withdrawn from retirement savings.
"These are desperate times, and governments have to make decisions very quickly, but frankly, I think with the benefit of hindsight that will be seen to have been a poor-quality decision," Mr Turnbull said.
"I wonder whether it wouldn't have been better to provide more targeted support from government."
He rejected the argument that young people withdrawing savings could catch up throughout their working life.
"If you spend it all now, and then you have to start from scratch, it will take you a long time to catch up," the former prime minister said.
"This is not rocket science."
Australian Associated Press
