The consolidation of superannuation accounts and the Government's move to narrow the accessibility of the superannuation co-contributions regime will be subject of discussion at a Parliamentary Committee in Canberra this week.
A range of industry organisations including the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA) and the Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees will present evidence to the House Economics Committee during the hearings.
The process of consolidation of multiple superannuation accounts within a single fund and whether trustees should be responsible for consolidating multiple accounts will be a critical issue examined by the committee.
It will also hear evidence around the Government's proposed reforms to the superannuation co-contribution regime for low income earners, including reducing the rate of co-contribution from 100 to 50 per cent, and reducing the higher income threshold from $30,000 to $15,000 above the lower income threshold.
The consideration of these super changes, some of which have flowed on from the 2012 budget, has been announced just days after the Government's latest policy announcements around super ahead of the May Budget.
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.