The Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA) has welcomed the Assistant Treasurer’s announcement that the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will have stewardship of the SuperStream gateway network for the next two years.
ASFA CEO Pauline Vamos said ASFA wanted ATO’s regulatory reach to extend from superannuation data and payment issues to the SuperStream transaction network gateways.
She said the ATO was well equipped to take on this role, as the “interoperability” of the system involved not just superannuation funds but payroll firms, software providers, gateways and clearing houses.
“The development of an industry-led governance body for the long term is a complex task,” Vamos said.
“This announcement will provide a realistic amount of time for the industry to work together to determine the appropriate arrangements.”
ASFA’s support follows Assistant Treasurer Arthur Sinodinos’ announcement yesterday that the ATO would have stewardship of the SuperStream gateway.
He said ATO’s duty during this time would include formulating an industry agreement on the design of a self-regulated industry-funded governance body.
“ASFA has produced a report outlining the potential legislative and funding structures of a governance body; however the framework for SuperStream needs to be finalised first,” Vamos said.
The future of superannuation policy remains uncertain, with further reforms potentially on the horizon as the Albanese government seeks to curb the use of superannuation as a bequest vehicle.
Superannuation funds will have two options for charging fees for the advice provided by the new class of adviser.
The proposed reforms have been described as a key step towards delivering better products and retirement experiences for members, with many noting financial advice remains the “urgent missing piece” of the puzzle.
APRA’s latest data has revealed that superannuation funds spent $1.3 billion on advice fees, with the vast majority sent to external financial advisers.