Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA) CEO Philippa Smith responds humbly to the news that she has been nominated, once again, as one of the most influential people in the superannuation industry.
“As head of ASFA I am in the unique position of being able to co-ordinate views and strategies. It also puts me in the unique position in terms of dialogue and liaising with government and ministers. So I regard it as a privilege and am also very mindful — as the peak industry body — that what we put forward needs to be thought through and fully considered,” she says.
The panel was unanimous in including Smith in its Top 10 list. She also received strong recognition for her work over the past 12 months from the people who nominated her.
“She has led the debate on superannuation adequacy. All major players in the super industry (including government) acknowledge that ASFA is the place to go for all valid research information on superannuation in Australia,” said one who nominated her.
“She is well respected across the industry and has been responsible for the very healthy debate among ordinary Australians as to what dollars will be required to fund a comfortable retirement,” said another.
Smith is extremely proud of ASFA itself. “I feel very proud of ASFA when I look around at all the other industry associations. ASFA not only has a very active membership but it is the only association with an extensive research capability,” she says.
When she’s not lobbying government or addressing ASFA members, Smith enjoys travelling to exotic countries. She and her husband are currently visiting Chile, Cuba and the Caribbean. “We like to go to places that either have different cultures or interesting political backgrounds,” she says.
She also enjoys ceramic art and spends a lot of her spare time making and painting vases, bowls and plates.
