The alternative superannuation default models proposed by the Productivity Commission could put consumers at further risk of being sold poor products by banks and other for-profit providers, Industry Super Australia (ISA) believes.
ISA’s chief executive, David Whiteley, said the models ignored the systemic underperformance of funds offered by for-profit providers and increased the ability to sell consumers poor products.
“The draft report does not address the cross-selling of for-profit funds, or the divided interests of bank-owned and for-profit funds to deliver both shareholder profits and member returns,” he said.
“Strong protections are needed for consumers to limit the behaviour of these funds to ensure that member interests are the sole focus.”
Whiteley said a strong default system should protect disengaged workers who did not have the resources or expertise to make informed decisions on where best to place their retirement savings.
