The Coalition Government has called on the senate to pass its Protecting Your Super Package (PYSP) and latest Member Outcomes legislation as industry superannuation funds continue on their growth trajectory.
Assistant treasurer, Stuart Robert, said under the PYSP, the Government would cap fees at three per cent for low balance accounts ($6,000 and under), which it estimates would save around seven million Australians approximately $570 million in the first year alone.
“We're also banning exit fees, removing the disincentive to account consolidation,” he said. “This measure will save low-income earners, working mothers, students as well as causal and part-time employees from erosion of fees.”
The PYSP would also make insurance an opt-in choice for people under 25 years, people with low balance and members with inactive accounts, which the Government estimates would save Australians $3 billion in insurance premiums.
Robert said inactive accounts without a contribution for 13 months or longer would be returned to existing accounts, which would reunite around four million people with lost superannuation.
“The Government is increasing choice of funds for Australians and closing loopholes letting some employers reduce their Superannuation Guarantee contributions that people who salary sacrifice,” he said.
In its pre-election policy document, the FSC highlighted 15 priority reforms, with superannuation featuring prominently, urging both major parties to avoid changing super taxes without a comprehensive tax review.
The Grattan Institute has labelled the Australian super system as “too complicated” and has proposed a three-pronged reform strategy to simplify superannuation in retirement.
Super funds delivered a strong 2024 result, with the median growth fund returning 11.4 per cent, driven by strong international sharemarket performance, new data has shown.
Australian Ethical has seen FUM growth of 27 per cent in the financial year to date.