SuperConcepts has launched a campaign to enshrine the objective of the superannuation system in legislation, timing with the resumption of Parliament sitting today and getting ahead of another inquiry into the retirement system, which the Government has signalled is on the cards.
The #Time2Enshrine campaign aimed to underpin stability and enhance focus in superannuation, as constant changes to super rules were a big turnoff (the biggest, according to some surveys) for consumers considering making additional contributions to super.
“Superannuation is the most tax advantaged retirement savings vehicle and it’s disappointing these concessions and the advantages of making voluntary super contributions are often overshadowed by the constant fear of rule changes,” SuperConcepts chief executive, Lara Bourguignon, said.
“It’s now time for the objectives of super to once and for all be enshrined in the legislation to avoid such a clash of policy ideas and the potential impact on people’s lives.”
In Bourguignon’s opinion, the objective of super should be aspirational and encourage self-provision in retirement, serving not only as a safety net but also as a means to financial independence and a dignified retirement.
Further, she believed that it wasn’t enough to just legislate these objectives, but that a mechanism should also be put in place to compel policymakers to refer to it when assessing competing superannuation proposals.
The #Time2Enshrine campaign encouraged people to discuss what purpose the superannuation system should serve, tagging comments and posts on social media that did so with the hashtag.
A ratings firm has placed more prominence on governance in its fund ratings, highlighting that it’s not just about how much money a fund makes today, but whether the people running it are trustworthy, disciplined, and able to deliver for members in the future.
AMP has reached an agreement in principle to settle a landmark class action over fees charged to members of its superannuation funds, with $120 million earmarked for affected members.
Australia’s second-largest super fund is prioritising impact investing with a $2 billion commitment, targeting assets that deliver a combination of financial, social, and environmental outcomes.
The super fund has significantly grown its membership following the inclusion of Zurich’s OneCare Super policyholders.