About
The National Legislation Discussion Group provides a forum where participants can openly raise, discuss and debate various trends and issues faced by the superannuation industry in the development and implementation of legislation.
The discussions encompass a variety of legislative developments including prudential regulation, corporate and financial services regulation, anti-money laundering, privacy, taxation, insolvency, and other regulatory policy developments impacting on superannuation, as well as the implications of significant recent case law.
Discussion Group Chair
Sarah Penn, Mayflower Consulting
Topic
AFCA Update
- Current complaints data and themes
- AFCA’s updated Approach to superannuation death benefit complaints
- Complaints involving allegations of financial abuse, family violence or elder abuse
- Case studies
Speakers
Heather Gray – Lead Ombudsman – Superannuation
Heather is one of Australia’s most experienced superannuation and financial services lawyers. She is passionate about the resolution of financial services complaints, particularly relating to superannuation.In her role as Lead Ombudsman, Superannuation at AFCA, she is responsible for ensuring that superannuation complaints are resolved fairly and effectively.Heather’s background is as a superannuation lawyer in private practice, and she was a partner at Hall & Wilcox before joining AFCA in 2020.Heather sat on the Law Council of Australia’s Superannuation Committee for more than a decade, including a term as its Chair, and has consulted widely with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority, the Australian Taxation Office and Treasury on superannuation issues. Heather is currently Co-Chair of the Superannuation Industry Stewardship Group.
Ben Norman – Senior Ombudsman – Superannuation
Ben is a Senior Ombudsman – Superannuation at the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA). He has worked as an Ombudsman for six years. Ben specialises in complex superannuation determinations, especially those involving life insurance and death benefits, or other matters dealing with novel points of law or likely to be subject to appeals or litigation.Prior to joining AFCA in 2019, Ben worked for the Australian Government Solicitor on significant matters and litigation for the Commonwealth including as a solicitor for the Financial Services Royal Commission. Ben assisted the Commission on a variety of work including investigating instances of misconduct and conduct falling below community standards in the superannuation and banking industries.Ben has a strong interest in superannuation law and policy. He regularly represents AFCA in discussions with Treasury, Commonwealth regulators, and superannuation consumer and industry bodies.
Agenda
- Welcome, acknowledgement of country and introductions.
- Matters arising
- ASFA Update
- Guest Speakers –
Heather Gray – Lead Ombudsman, Superannuation, AFCA
Ben Norman, Senior Ombudsman, Superannuation, AFCA
