The Association of Independent Retirees is taking a pre-emptive strike ahead of next month’s budget.

It follows on from the opposition stating they would change superannuation taxes in a bid to raise $14.3 billion over 10 years.

Retiree and committee member John Harris said any attack on super was a “disincentive” for people to save.

“There were things in place when I retired that have since changed, it’s like moving the goal posts after the kick so to speak,” Mr Harris said.

“We think we are being targeted a bit by discussion saying we are super rich, but I don’t think that accurately describes all self-funded retirees.

“The government should be encouraging people to save and give the concessions so that super lasts longer which is less time we spend relying on the pension.”

Changes that came into play at the beginning of the year meant Mr Harris lost his low income health care card which gave him a concession on power. He said he worked for 51 years starting in factory work then as an apprentice eventually starting his own exhaust and tow bar business which he developed into ARB in Albury.

Mr Harris saved during those years of work to secure his future after retirement.

He said if the government were to make changes to super, that security would fade.

“It’s a concern and you don’t know how long you’re going to live and how healthy you will be,” he said.

“There has got to be some incentive for people to save and provide for themselves. Otherwise you just spend your money and dump yourself on the government.”

Ken Curnow worked until he was 75 and said if they don’t put a stop to the changes now it could be the next generation who suffers.

“The more people the government has to support after retirement, they will need to decrease the amount of time they support them for, otherwise it’s unaffordable” Mr Curnow said.