Super release slows but almost 3 million Australians have sucked billions from retirement savings

The controversial coronavirus measure allowing Australians affected by the pandemic to tap into their retirement savings will close tomorrow.

But not before nearly 3 million people have taken a total of $36 billion out of their super accounts, according to figures provided by the ATO.

Treasury had initially estimated $29.5 billion would be accessed but then extended the scheme until the end of the year, in light of Victoria’s second coronavirus lockdown.

By the end of June, just over $20 billion had already been…