The Fair Work Commission’s (FWC’s) review of default funds under modern awards has again been called into question, with the Financial Services Council (FSC) calling for a halt to the process until the FWC rectifies issues with its expert panel.
FSC chief executive John Brogden has once again written to the Fair Work Commission arguing that the Commission should stop the process until it acts to rectify the status of the panel established to review the default funds regime.
His letter states that this is on the basis that the make-up of the expert panel does not comply with the Fair Work Act.
Earlier correspondence from the FSC forced the standing down of two members of the expert panel on the basis of perceived conflicts of interest because of their board positions on superannuation funds which hold default fund status.
In its latest letter to the FWC, the FSC has said the current expert panel does not meet the requirements of the Act because it consists of six FWC members, rather than the seven required by the legislation and because it has only two expert members, rather than the three required by the Act.
Brogden’s letter said that in these circumstances there was limited scope under the Act for the expert panel to continue dealing with the matter and that in the absence of an additional member being appointed to the expert panel, the present panel cold not proceed to deal with the default funds review.
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.