Andrew Dettmer has been appointed to the board of Spirit Super, replacing long-term board member David Smith who departs the fund after nearly 12 years as a member representative director.
Dettmer has been national president of the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union (AMWU) for over 11 and a half years and brings extensive knowledge of corporate government and policy development to the board.
He has previously served as a ministerial appointee for the National Robotics Taskforce and a national consultative forum member for Jobs and Skills Australia.
Additionally, Dettmer is a board member of TAFE Queensland and is chair of Union Aid Abroad – Australian People for Health, Education and Development Abroad (APHEDA).
Meanwhile, his predecessor Smith first joined the board of MTAA Super in 2012, having previously served as the alternate director for the then-union representative director of the industry fund for four years.
He then continued on the Spirit Super board following the merger between MTAA Super and Tasplan in April 2021.
He completed his term on 31 March 2024.
Announcing the departure, Maria Wilton, chair of Spirit Super, paid tribute to Smith’s longstanding contributions to the fund.
“David has dedicated over 30 years to improving the retirement outcomes for motor trades employees and auto workers. In that time, he has seen and been part of incredible change and evolution – both within the auto trades and here at Spirit Super,” she said.
“David has been a conscientious director, using his immense insight, experience and influence to advance the interests of all members – regardless of industry or occupation.”
She also described him as an “invaluable advocate” for the fund, who helped forge “strong, productive relationships” with unions, employers, and officials.
Smith noted his great passion for the motor trades and the retirement outcomes of those in the field as he described the “great privilege” of serving as director at Spirit Super.
“This fund has great ambitions to keep delivering exceptional member experience and outcome. I’ve been proud to be a part of driving it to use its size to its advantage,” he said.
