With many young Australians facing a sustained period of unemployment due to the economic impact of COVID-19, it is now even more important the superannuation guarantee (SG) is lifted to 12%, a super body believes.
The Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA) said the cost at retirement for a typical 25-year-old woman who accessed $20,000 in the early release of super scheme could be as much as $85,000 if she was unable to secure employment and contribute to super for two years.
ASFA deputy chief executive, Glen McCrea, said: “If today’s young people are to avoid ending up on the Age Pension, every single dollar contributed to superannuation counts”.
ASFA noted that around half a million Australians has used the early access to super scheme with the majority being under 35 years old.
“Lifting super to 12% of wages will mean more people in retirement can afford decent aged care. It’s not fair that young people should suffer the devasting impact of COVID-19 now and then also be forced into poverty in retirement by relying solely on the Age Pension – we are better than that,” McCrea said.
The fund has appointed Fotine Kotsilas as its new chief risk officer, continuing a series of executive changes aimed at driving growth, but NGS Super’s CEO has assured the fund won’t pursue growth for growth’s sake.
AMP Super has taken a strategic stake in Atmos Renewables, funding major battery and wind farm projects to boost Australia’s clean energy transition.
The regulator has commenced a targeted review to address regulatory hurdles that may be discouraging superannuation funds from investing in property assets.
Rest’s FUM growth coincides with the arrival of Michael Clancy as the fund’s new CIO and the appointment of two senior executives.