The Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA) has welcomed the Government’s ‘Long Term Emissions Reduction Plan’, saying it highlighted the role that patient superannuation capital can play in funding technology required to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
ASFA chief executive, Martin Fahy, said: "We welcome this announcement and the further opportunity it provides for superannuation funds to participate in Australia’s transition to a low carbon economy. Superannuation funds have led the charge on renewables and sustainability and the release of the plan provides further impetus to that”.
ASFA brought attention to its recently-released discussion paper which signalled a commitment to net-zero greenhouse emissions for superannuation funds by 2050. The paper intended to highlight the risks of climate change and the impact it was expected to have on investment portfolio performance of superannuation funds.
"In the absence of a commitment to net-zero greenhouse emissions by 2050, the superannuation industry stood to lose billions of dollars in investment returns on behalf of their members, which ultimately translates to less retirement savings," Fahy said.
ASFA noted that the Government’s announcement would provide the policy certainty needed for funds to accelerate their investment in renewables and related technologies and it welcomed further discussion and collaboration on this key issue.
Super funds have built on early financial year momentum, as growth funds deliver strong results driven by equities and resilient bonds.
The super fund has announced that Mark Rider will step down from his position of chief investment officer (CIO) after deciding to “semi-retire” from full-time work.
Rest has joined forces with alternative asset manager Blue Owl Capital, co-investing in a real estate trust, with the aim of capitalising on systemic changes in debt financing.
The Future Fund’s CIO Ben Samild has announced his resignation, with his deputy to assume the role of interim CIO.