The Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA) has expressed concern that the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has yet to finalise a number of the documents necessary to underpin the implementation of new superannuation contribution arrangements for employers.
In a submission filed with the ATO this month, ASFA has said the changes to data and payments standards represent a significant task affecting every employer in Australia.
"With some 800,000 employers to be moved from existing arrangements to the new arrangements over a period of three years it is essential that implementation occurs in an orderly and controlled fashion that maintains confidence in the superannuation system," it said.
However the submission said the task had been made more difficult for superannuation funds as some documents that are critical to the development and testing of system solutions are yet to be finalised by the ATO.
The ASFA submission said that the organisation welcomed a reaffirmation of the ATO's decision to be actively involved in the induction of employers to the Standard, noting that the "implementation of the Standard with respect to contributions is far more complex than with respect to rollovers".
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.