Ask most trustees or super fund executives what’s most important to them in their jobs, and a common answer is likely to be something like: “Looking after members and ensuring that they get the best possible benefits.” Sure, it does sound trite and no doubt there are many jaded cynics who will mutter something like “Pull the other leg…” in response.
But, in truth, the superannuation industry is somewhat rare in that it does consist of people who do give a lot of their time and energy for little or no monetary reward to boost other people’s retirement prospects.
Over its 16 years of existence, Super Review has documented the remarkable development of the superannuation industry, how it has gone from the exclusive preserve of the executive elite to one that serves most Australians. The system is far from perfect and its net doesn’t reach everyone, but it is still much admired, often drawing foreign pensions experts to our shores because they want to study what we’ve done.
The industry, underpinned by its guaranteed and growing inflow of funds, is also the foundation of Australia’s booming financial services industry and behind the buoyant growth of newer industries, such as financial planning. There’s more than half a trillion dollars out there in super money that is being ploughed back into the economy, boosting it and funding development of infrastructure and promising new ventures.
But behind the dazzling figures are the many dedicated individuals that make this industry tick. Some are well-known and have often appeared on our pages. Many more just get on with their jobs, without much fanfare or recognition. And, it’s these people we’d like to honour and their stories we’d also like to tell. That is why we have launched the Super Review Quiet Achiever Awards.
These unsung heroes of super are to be found quietly getting on with their jobs everywhere. If you know someone that deserves some recognition, please nominate them for our Award. But hurry! The closing date is August 21.
The industry fund has called on ASX 300 companies to strengthen priorities around resilience, climate, and gender, while itself facing criticism over fossil fuels.
Industry fund HESTA has filed an appeal against an ATO decision on tax offsets from franking credits, with the Australian Retirement Trust set to file a similar claim soon.
The latest superannuation performance test results have shown improvements, but four in 10 trustee-directed products continue to exhibit “significant investment underperformance”, warns APRA.
The corporate regulator has launched civil proceedings against Equity Trustees over its inclusion of the Shield Master Fund on super platforms it hosted, but other trustees could also be in the firing line.