Retirement planning is becoming a more active consideration for Queenslanders, as people think earlier about what life after work might look like and how to prepare for it with confidence.
This shift has important implications not only for individuals, but also for employers, particularly across sectors like energy and local government, where workforces are often long-tenured and regionally dispersed.
The Brighter Super & Investment Trends 2025 Retirement Income Report offers valuable insight into how Australians are approaching this transition and where support can make the greatest difference.
The research shows that overall preparedness is improving, with 38 per cent of Australians now feeling prepared for retirement, up from 29 per cent in 2024. Confidence among retirees remains relatively strong, with around 60 per cent of retirees feeling confident they will have enough money to support their retirement.
These findings reinforce that when planning is supported by the right guidance, it can deliver positive outcomes.
However, the transition remains complex for many. Fewer than one in three pre-retirees feel fully prepared, reflecting the challenges of navigating superannuation, investment decisions, timing and lifestyle choices. The findings show that preparedness is notably lower in regional areas than in south-east Queensland, highlighting the need for accessible and consistent statewide support, a reality well understood by employers operating across Queensland.
Importantly, the research points to a clear opportunity. The strongest driver of retirement confidence is not income level or market conditions, but whether people seek information or guidance early and take action.
Pre-retirees who accessed guidance and made changes such as reviewing their investment strategy or increasing their super contributions were far more likely to feel prepared for retirement. More than half of those who acted after seeking guidance reported higher confidence, compared with fewer than one in five who took no action. Early engagement and informed decision-making clearly matter.
The survey also reveals the broader issue of uncertainty. Many pre-retirees are unsure what to do with their super when they reach preservation age, or whether their super fund offers retirement income products or advice. This uncertainty often leads to delayed decisions, even when meaningful steps could be taken much earlier.
Super funds play an important role in closing this gap. For many Australians, their super fund is the most trusted source of retirement information, particularly in the years leading up to retirement. That trust creates an opportunity to provide guidance that is practical, affordable and easy to understand, helping people move from uncertainty to action.
At Brighter Super, we see the impact of this every day. By focusing on making guidance simpler and more accessible, we support members whether they are just beginning to think about retirement or actively planning their transition. Our members consistently report higher levels of confidence and preparedness than Queensland and national averages, reinforcing the value of early, ongoing engagement.
For employers, including those in the energy sector, there is a clear organisational benefit in encouraging conversations about retirement planning. Supporting employees to engage with their super early helps individuals make informed choices while also supporting workforce planning and long-term organisational stability.
Retirement is no longer a single milestone. It is a transition shaped over time by work, health and financial decisions. When people are supported early, they are better placed to approach retirement with confidence and clarity.
The Brighter Super & Investment Trends 2025 Retirement Income Report highlights a powerful truth: with the right guidance at the right time, Queenslanders can make confident decisions about their future and build more secure retirements for themselves and their families.
Download the free whitepaper to gain valuable insights into the trends shaping retirement readiness in Queensland at brightersuper.com.au.
Results in the Brighter Super & Investment Trends 2025 Retirement Income Report are based on a survey of 3679 Australians aged 40 or more, including 1348 retirees, conducted between August and September 2025.
Words by Brighter Super chief executive officer Kate Farrar.
