The First Nations Foundation has secured further resourcing for its Big Super Day Out, with TelstraSuper signing onto a partnership to help hold two events in 2019.
The Big Super Day Out sought to help indigenous Australians find lost super, consolidate accounts, and learn about the benefits of superannuation. Since its launch in 2014, it had uncovered more than $14.5 million in lost super for over 1,100 people.
First Nations Foundation chief executive, Amanda Young, welcomed the support, saying that as the group received no Government funding, backing from the industry was vital to running its events. She estimated that for every $1 invested in the program, $36 would go back into the super system.
TelstraSuper chief executive, Chris Davies, said that partnership reflected the fund’s commitment to serving all its members, including those in remote indigenous communities: “With over 90,000 TelstraSuper members all around Australia, we have a duty to ensure that all Australians are supported in the best way possible,” he said.
The Foundation’s 2019 events would service areas including Darwin, Kununurra, Broome, Gapuwiyak, Galiwin’ku, Milingimbi and Ramingining.
The two funds have announced the signing of a non-binding MOU to explore a potential merger.
The board must shift its focus from managing inflation to stimulating the economy with the trimmed mean inflation figure edging closer to the 2.5 per cent target, economists have said.
ASIC chair Joe Longo says superannuation trustees must do more to protect members from misconduct and high-risk schemes.
Super fund mergers are rising, but poor planning during successor fund transfers has left members and employers exposed to serious risks.