Some industry superannuation funds have been just as guilty of investment under-performance as some retail funds, according to the Assistant Minister for Superannuation, Financial Services and Financial Services Technology, Senator Jane Hume.
Interviewed on radio, Hume reiterated her call for an end to the culture wars between the various types of superannuation funds while acknowledging that while some industry funds had performed exceptionally well, there were also some industry funds which underperformed.
“The most important thing now is that we put aside the sector wars, whether it's between industry or retail, whether it's between self-managed super funds (SMSFs) and industry and retail super, and say, right, well, what's in the best interest of members?” she said. “That's what we're all about, the best member outcomes that we can get to.”
Hume also signalled that the Government had no intention of altering the existing time-table for lifting the superannuation guarantee, noting that it had been legislated and there was no intention to alter that approach.
Volatile markets driven by shifting US tariff policy failed to rattle Australia’s superannuation system in April, with balanced options inching upward.
ASFA has urged greater transparency and fairness in the way superannuation levies are set and spent.
Labor’s re-election has reignited calls to strengthen Australia’s $4.2 trillion super system, with industry bodies urging swift reform amid economic and demographic shifts.
A major super fund has defended its use of private markets in a submission to ASIC, asserting that appropriate governance and information-sharing practices are present in both public and private markets.