ASFA backs asset recycling

24 June 2014
| By Mike |
image
image
expand image

The Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA) has joined with Infrastructure Partnerships Australia (IPA) to support the Government’s proposal for the establishment of an asset recycling fund. 

In a letter to Federal parliamentarians, the two organisations have urged support of the legislation underpinning establishing of the asset recycling fund, arguing that it will provide “an important incentive for states to get on with the job of finding the money the country needs for new infrastructure”. 

Further, the letter states that “Australia’s superannuation funds have the capital, expertise and commitment to invest in Australian infrastructure”, while “the infrastructure sector has the sophisticated engineering, financial and project skills to deliver the new projects we need.”  

“The Australian public deserve much better infrastructure services, at much lower costs,” the letter said. “What is missing is the ability and capacity to pay for major new projects, without  

lifting taxes or cutting services.” 

It said that asset recycling was a proven way of marshalling the billions of dollars that governments needed to break the infrastructure backlog and that superannuation fund members also stood to benefit from asset recycling.  

“As more Australians enter retirement, this will drive demand for assets with reliable income streams, such as port infrastructure and energy networks,” the letter said. “Superannuation funds stand ready and willing to invest, but there has not been a consistent pipeline of suitable projects.”  

“Providing incentives to the states to sell mature assets will help establish a steady, long-term pipeline of investment opportunities, while freeing up the capital required to deliver the new infrastructure,” it said. 

Read more about:

AUTHOR

Recommended for you

sub-bgsidebar subscription

Never miss the latest developments in Super Review! Anytime, Anywhere!

Grant Banner

From my perspective, 40- 50% of people are likely going to be deeply unhappy about how long they actually live. ...

11 months ago
Kevin Gorman

Super director remuneration ...

11 months 1 week ago
Anthony Asher

No doubt true, but most of it is still because over 45’s have been upgrading their houses with 30 year mortgages. Money ...

11 months 1 week ago

Jim Chalmers has defended changes to the Future Fund’s mandate, referring to himself as a “big supporter” of the sovereign wealth fund, amid fierce opposition from the Co...

1 day 16 hours ago

Demand from institutional investors was the main driver of growth in Australia’s responsible investment (RI) market in 2023, as the industry continued to gain momentum....

1 day 16 hours ago

In a new review of the country’s largest fund, a research house says it’s well placed to deliver attractive returns despite challenges....

1 day 17 hours ago