Infrastructure and super is a global conversation: ASFA Investment Interchange

A global dialogue about the role of superannuation investing in infrastructure projects is essential to help deliver better outcomes for funds and their members. This was the key message at the ASFA Investment Interchange held in Wollongong today.

ASFA Director of Investments Mr Gordon Noble says with governments around the world increasingly turning to the private sector to fund infrastructure, now is an opportune time to break the impasse and create a pathway to facilitate this investment.

“One of the key challenges the investment community faces globally is its all-too-often passive culture. With super funds showing more interest than ever before in investing in infrastructure projects and governments increasingly willing to let the private sector step in, now is the time to start a dialogue about how this can be modelled in a way that delivers the best outcomes for fund members.”

Addressing an audience of infrastructure policy representatives from around the world, Chairman of the SMART Infrastructure Facility Advisory Council Dr Ken Henry called on the Government to develop a national approach.

“What will it take in order for Australia to develop a robust long-term pipeline of infrastructure projects?” Dr Henry asked.

AustralianSuper and ASX Board member Ms Heather Ridout called on the industry to take a more active role in helping the Government develop a pipeline for transfer-ready projects.

“Industry and government has to stop talking and actually do something about it,” Ms Ridout said.

SMART CEO Mr Garry Bowditch reinforced this sentiment, encouraging the industry to actively participate in conversations with the Government about the future of Australia’s infrastructure investment.

“There is a very serious conversation to be had so make your voices heard,” Mr Bowditch concluded.

The Investment Interchange featured presentations from domestic and international speakers. For a full speaker list visit the ASFA website.

For copies of speaker presentations, please contact ASFA Media Manager Lisa Chikarovski on 0451 949 300.

About ASFA

ASFA is the peak policy, research and advocacy body for Australia’s superannuation industry. It is a not-for-profit, sector-neutral, and non-party political national organisation whose aim is to advance effective retirement outcomes for members of funds through research, advocacy and the development of policy and industry best practice.