Policy Roadshow – Melbourne

About this event

As the superannuation policy landscape continues to evolve, ASFA’s Policy Roadshow returns to give attendees an unparalleled behind-the-scenes look at how key policy developments are formed – with direct access to superannuation regulators shaping the sector and the chance to engage directly with the ASFA Policy Team.

An expert lineup of speakers will explore topics including:

  • The superannuation policy landscape and recent key issues
  • Regulator focus areas and what they mean for your fund
  • An under-the-bonnet view of the end-to-end formation of key policy developments

 

The Policy Roadshow is designed for all staff across superannuation funds and service providers, from corporate affairs, policy, legal, risk and compliance, and product, to marketing and communications, administration, member services, and finance. We look forward to welcoming you as we explore how the industry is navigating an evolving policy landscape and how ASFA continues to advocate for stronger outcomes across the sector.

 

Sydney, 21 July

 

Details

Mallesons, Melbourne

Collins Arch, Level 27, 447 Collins Street
22 July, 2026
2:00pm – 5:30pm

Pricing (incl. GST)

Individual Pricing: Early-Bird

Member: $350
Non-member: $420

Groups of 5+

Member: $1,650 ($330pp)
Non-member: $2,000 ($400pp)

Contact ASFA Events to arrange a group booking.

 

Attendees earn 2 CPD points for this event.

Register

Program

2:00 pm Registration Opens
2:30 pm
Welcome & Opening Remarks ↓
2:35 pm
A Simpler, Safer, Stable Superannuation System: ASFA's Policy Priorities ↓

Gain an overview of key policy priorities for the superannuation sector for FY27, ASFA’s advocacy efforts, and the key issues shaping our work on behalf of members.

What does a simpler, safer and more stable superannuation system mean in practice? This session will explore the policy priorities ASFA is championing to improve member outcomes, strengthen confidence in the system and support its long-term sustainability.

  • James Koval, Chief Policy & Advocacy Officer, ASFA
  • Julian Cabarrus, Head of Policy, ASFA
2:45 pm
Looking through the policy lifecycle: Advocacy to design to implementation ↓

As the pace of regulatory change accelerates, effective implementation has never been more important.

Hear how ASFA has brought together industry stakeholders to drive practical outcomes on cyber security, and gain insight into what the next phase of Payday Super means for funds, employers and members.

This session will examine the policy lifecycle from advocacy and design through to implementation, highlighting ASFA’s role and the opportunities and challenges shaping the sector’s transformation.

  • Garry Davenport, Senior Consultant, Policy, ASFA
  • Sebastian Reinehr, Policy Director, ASFA
2:55 pm
Looking Ahead: The Next Wave of Superannuation Reform ↓

What policy developments should the industry be watching? This session will explore the key issues on ASFA’s policy horizon, including improving access to financial advice in superannuation, the latest developments in the Performance Test, and the evolving financial crime landscape.

Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the opportunities, challenges, and advocacy priorities likely to shape the sector and influence policy outcomes in the years ahead.

  • Andrew Craston, Economic Specialist, ASFA
  • Sebastian Reinehr, Policy Director, ASFA
3:05 pm
From Insight to Impact: Research That Informs Reform ↓

High-quality research is essential to informed policy and better member outcomes.

This session showcases ASFA’s latest research and thought leadership, exploring consumer sentiment towards superannuation, evolving investment trends including ESG, ASFA’s work to advance reform of group insurance in superannuation, and the key debates surrounding Division 296.

Drawing on analysis of cost data, HILDA and ATO datasets, and broader economic insights, we’ll examine what the evidence tells us about adequacy, equity, retirement readiness, and superannuation’s contribution to the Australian economy.

  • Ross Clare, Head of Research, ASFA
  • Sophie Yan, Reserach Analyst, ASFA
3:15 pm
Q&A ↓
3:30 pm
AFCA Update ↓

Be among the first to hear Paul Woodburn in his first public address as Lead Superannuation Ombudsman, where he will outline AFCA’s leadership direction and future focus.

Receive an update on the superannuation complaints landscape, including AFCA’s observations, emerging areas of focus and the steps being taken to strengthen consumer outcomes, supported by practical case studies and real-world examples.

  • Paul Woodburn, Lead Ombudsman, Superannuation, AFCA
3:45 pm
ATO Update ↓

Hear from the Australian Taxation Office as they provide an update on the evolving regulatory and operational landscape impacting the superannuation sector.

This session will explore current priorities, emerging challenges and opportunities for collaboration, offering insights into how government and industry can work together to strengthen the integrity, resilience and effectiveness of Australia’s superannuation system.

  • Ben Kelly, Deputy Commissioner, Superannuation and Employer Obligations, ATO
4:00 pm
Advocacy from the other side: Lifting the curtain on government engagement ↓

ASFA prepares more than 60 submission each year, but governments receive hundreds. At the same time, Ministerial advisers and policymakers balance broad portfolios, competing priorities and a constant flow of stakeholder engagement, all in a time poor environment.

Hear from those who have advised senior government leaders as they offer insights into decision-making at the highest levels of government and share what helps advocacy cut through in a crowded policy environment.

  • Roza Lozusic, Executive Director Policy and Public Affairs, AFIA
4:15 pm
Panel Discussion ↓
4:30 pm
Closing Remarks ↓
4:35 pm Networking Drinks
5:30 pm Event Close

Speakers

Ben Kelly

Deputy Commissioner of Superannuation & Employer Obligations, ATO

Speaker Bio

Ben Kelly
Deputy Commissioner of Superannuation & Employer Obligations, ATO

Ben Kelly is the Deputy Commissioner of Superannuation & Employer Obligations (SEO) within the Australian Taxation Office. He recently joined SEO after four years in the role of Deputy Commissioner, Policy, Analysis & Legislation in the ATO’s Law Design & Practice Group.

Prior to commencing in the Deputy Commissioner PAL role, Ben worked in a variety of legislation development, law interpretation and operations roles across the ATO, as well as being seconded to Treasury’s Law Design Practice. Ben has also worked in ATO enabling and corporate roles, including being the ATO’s Chief Risk Officer and Chief Internal Auditor.

After completing a combined Bachelor of Economics and Bachelor of Laws (with Honours) degree at the Australian National University,

Ben joined the ATO as a graduate in 1995 and has remained with the organisation ever since. Ben also holds a Masters in Sport Management from Deakin University.

Paul Woodburn

Lead Obudsman, AFCA

Speaker Bio

Paul Woodburn
Lead Obudsman, AFCA

Paul Woodburn was appointed as Lead Ombudsman Superannuation on 25 May 2026. He is an experienced legal, governance and regulatory executive with over 20 years advising Trustee boards and executive teams across the superannuation, funds management and financial services industries.​

Prior to joining AFCA, Paul has extensive experience leading in house legal advisory, governance and compliance teams for Australian Superannuation Trustees and Fund Management entities together with a strong background in private practice where he most recently worked as a Superannuation and Financial Services Consultant for Allens.​

Paul holds a Bachelor of Laws, Bachelor of Commerce and a Master of Commercial Law, is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD) and a Fellow of the Governance Institute of Australia.

Sarah Yu

Partner and Superannuation Sector Co-Lead, Mallesons

Speaker Bio

Sarah Yu
Partner and Superannuation Sector Co-Lead, Mallesons

Sarah is a financial services lawyer specialising in superannuation and insurance. Sarah has an impressive practice spanning over 30 years advising superannuation funds, insurers, banks, wealth management institutions, distributors and administrators. Financial institutions turn to Sarah for her ability to simplify complex legal issues and to navigate technical and strategic regulatory aspects of legal work.

Sarah was named 2022 Dealmaker of the Year at Lawyers Weekly Australian Law Awards and has been recognised in Chambers and Best Lawyers since 2013 for superannuation, financial institutions and regulatory practice.

Roza Lozusic

Executive Director Policy and Public Affairs, AFIA

Speaker Bio

Roza Lozusic
Executive Director Policy and Public Affairs, AFIA

Roza Lozusic is Executive Director, Policy and Public Affairs at the Australian Finance Industry Association (AFIA), where she leads policy, advocacy, media and reputation management. With close to two decades’ experience across financial services, government, regulatory affairs and peak industry bodies, Roza brings deep expertise in policy reform, stakeholder engagement and financial services regulation. A lawyer by training, she previously held several senior leadership roles, including at Westpac, across Government and Regulatory Affairs, Transformation and Risk.

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