Alliance spokesperson Professor Deborah Ralston said small business owners who have invested equity in their company and rely on dividends to fund their retirement may be surprised to find a significant fall in income.

A case study conducted by the Alliance, found that some small business owners could lose up to one-third of their retirement income if Labor’s policy is introduced as a result of the impact on dividends and franking credits.

The Alliance is also exploring options to fix problems with the existing superannuation taxation, age pension means testing and broader retirement income systems.

“In addition to the six original members, three more national associations have recently joined the Alliance including the Association of Independent Retirees, Australian Investors Association and the Association of Financial Advisers.”