The superannuation industry has to accept that disunity is death and close ranks on key policy issues, according to the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA) independent chairman, Michael Easson.
Addressing the opening plenary of the ASFA annual conference on the Gold Coast, Easson warned that Governments of all stripes were only too ready to identify the minor differences which exist in the superannuation industry as a means of avoiding acting on some of the most important policy issues.
He said in these circumstances the various sectors of the superannuation industry had to come together to decide what was best for the industry in its totality.
Easson said that if the industry appeared to Government to be acting "like a bunch of headless chooks", the Government would treat it accordingly and play on its divisions.
He said that was why the industry needed to stop attacking itself and instead pursue a collaborative approach aimed at achieving dignity and adequacy in retirement.
The profit-to-member super funds are officially operating as a merged entity, set to serve over half a million members.
Super Review announced 21 winners at the annual Super Fund of the Year Awards, including the recipient of the prestigious Fund of the Year Award.
A research firm has given UniSuper a glowing review, praising its strong leadership and “compact team”, as well as its “creditable governance” structure.
Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones has defended the government’s plan to modestly cut tax concessions for Australia’s wealthiest superannuation accounts, saying it is a “fairer outcome”.