Superannuation is coming to the forefront of academic thinking with the appointment of Australia’s first Chair of Finance and Superannuation at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS).
As the new chair, Professor Susan Thorp will work to become a thought leader in the superannuation industry and will consult with researchers, financial institutions and government bodies.
One of the financial backers of the role is the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA), which said the creation of the chair was recognition of the central role of superannuation in Australians’ financial health.
“Retirement income policy is fundamental in developing economic and social policy,” said ASFA chief executive, Pauline Vamos.
“We have reached the ageing bubble; we know that there needs to be some social change so that in the future, retirees can support the standard of living they need and deserve. This has implications for tax, product development and integration with the social security system,” she said.
As well as ASFA, the Industry Super Network, the Sydney Financial Forum, the NSW Premier’s Office and the Paul Woolley Centre for the Study of Capital Market Dysfunctionality jointly fund the new chair for an initial three years.
