Financial Services Council (FSC) chief executive Sally Loane has reinforced the need for important policy reforms, particularly the introduction of a ‘default once’ system for superannuation.
Speaking at the launch of the Melbourne Mercer Global Pension Index at the FSC, she said there needed to be greater focus on the implementation of outstanding reforms to superannuation and retirement systems.
“We know Australia’s world class superannuation system is being held back by outdated policy settings that create inefficiencies and erode retirement savings,” Loane said.
“We continue to urge the Government, and Parliament, to implement the recommendations of both the Royal Commission and Productivity Commission to reform default superannuation by introducing a ‘default once’ system.”
This system would create a single default account for superannuation members, like a bank account or tax file number, which would allow a simpler transition process when moving jobs.
“Decoupling superannuation from the industrial relations system is an essential reform to deliver a superannuation system that is fit for purpose in a changing economy and increasingly flexible work patterns, where the numbers of people with more than job is rising,” Loane said.
Introducing reforms for strengthening simpler and faster claims handling and better servicing for First Nations members are critical priorities, according to the Super Members Council.
The Commonwealth Bank has warned that uncapped superannuation concessions may be “unsustainable” and has called for the introduction of a superannuation cap.
Superannuation funds have posted another year of strong returns, but this time, the gains weren’t powered solely by Silicon Valley.
Australia’s $4.1 trillion superannuation system is doing more than funding retirements – it’s quietly fuelling the nation’s productivity, lifting GDP, and adding thousands to workers’ pay packets, according to new analysis from the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA).