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“We know Australia’s world class superannuation system is being held back by outdated policy settings that create inefficiencies and erode retirement savings,” Loane said.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.
An Australian superannuation delegation will visit the UK this month to explore investment opportunities and support local economic growth, job creation, and long-term investment.
An ASIC review has identified superannuation trustees are demonstrating a “lack of urgency” around improving their retirement communication and still taking a one-size-fits-all approach.
Superannuation funds have welcomed the boost that Treasury’s improvement on the Low-Income Superannuation Tax Offset will have for women and younger members.
The proposed changes to the Low-Income Superannuation Tax Offset (LISTO) has been applauded by the superannuation sector.