Donald Trump says US looking at adopting Australian system
Washington: US President Donald Trump praised Australia’s pension system and said he was “serious” looking at adopting a version of it, hinting it could be used to boost America’s declining birth rate.
Trump made the remarks at an event where Michael and Susan Dell of technology company Dell announced an unprecedented $US6.25 billion ($9.5 billion) donation to the bank accounts of millions of eligible American children.
Michael Dell with his wife Susan and US President Donald Trump at the ceremony at the White House.Credit: access point
The Dell gift will deposit $250 to children under 11 whose households make less than $150,000 a year and who did not receive $1,000 in startup funding under Trump’s so-called “Trump Accounts” program.
One of the justifications for these programs was to offer a sort of “baby bonus” to try to stem the declining fertility rate in the United States, a major concern of the MAGA movement.
When Trump was asked what else the administration was doing to raise the birth rate, it turned out that he suggested the Australian pension system.
“We’re looking at schemes. There’s a particular Australian scheme that people like and are talking about… not for children, but for people, for workers,” he said, looking at Michael Dell for approval.
Trump said Australia’s superannuation system was a “good plan”.Credit: access point
Another reporter asked Trump to clarify that he meant the Australian retirement savings program, known as the superannuation.
“Yes, that’s what they’re talking about,” Trump said. “We’re looking at this very seriously. It worked out very well, it’s a good plan.”
