Re: Pension transfers
 

Its not just a decision about growth risk. Also very important is having your pension in the wrong currency, interest rates and returns in the different countries and favourable tax treatment in Oz - your pension income is tax free if its here and taxed if not.
I had a good public sector scheme in the uk and started off thinking I would not move it - but when the actuarial sums were done and I considered all the risks - I decided to move it over.
Everything has risk - having seen what has happened to financial markets and exchange rates, I decided I wanted my fund where I could control it and in the same currency as I was retiring in. The actuaries confirmed that I would be better off too, and there is much more flexibility in the Oz system
Its not the case that its always better to leave a final salary scheme where it is - it can be - but independent advice and calculations need to be done first.

Re: Pension transfers
 

Thanks Scotty. There is a lot of interesting debate here on what is a really an important decision for my retirement income. Do I want certainly of income albeit it is taxed, or do I want the flexibility, tax advantages and inheritance benefits of the Superannuation system. I've emailed a consultant today who was recommended by another poster. Thanks to all.

Re: Pension transfers
 

We have literally just last week moved our pensions over. They were UK Civil Service pensions, the type everyone assumes would be best left in the UK.

The deciding factor for us was that if one of us dies, the survivor would only get half of the benefit if the pension was left in the UK. We decided that outweighed all other factors.

I think it also depends on your age and if you have dependents. My husband is 53, I am 40, kids are 12 and 17. If hubby popped off we would need the full benefit, not half.