Minimising complexity essential for super success: ASFA

The Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA) tonight said while not as substantial as the landmark reforms in last year’s Budget, the package of superannuation-related measures announced by the government will nonetheless have a wide-ranging impact.

ASFA CEO Dr Martin Fahy said ASFA has advocated for the extension of capital gains tax (CGT) rollover relief announced in tonight’s Budget, because it should help support super fund mergers.

The government will extend current tax relief for merging super funds until 1 July 2020.

“Mergers of funds are one means by which they can realise scale efficiencies, so removing this significant barrier is welcome in a competitive superannuation industry that is continuously improving its efficiency and productivity,” he said.

Dr Fahy said a new dispute resolution framework would include an Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) dealing with all financial disputes including super disputes.

“We will be seeking to have active input into any transition arrangements to ensure consumer protections are preserved and existing Superannuation Complaints Tribunal (SCT) cases are efficiently and equitably dealt with,” he said.

“It will be important for the new authority to have the necessary statutory powers to deal with super related disputes, particularly in the case of death benefits disputes, where decisions which are binding on all parties affected are needed.

“Superannuation has features that set it apart from other products. There is often great complexity in disputes and many parties may be involved, so it will be crucial to have deep specialist knowledge and expertise in any dispute resolution body.”

The government has outlined a new role for superannuation in addressing housing affordability issues.

Dr Fahy said that with the right settings, super funds could support long-term housing affordability improvements through institutional investment.

“Funds may also be attracted to invest in social housing bonds issued via the announced bond aggregator measures,” he said.

“A deeper bond market is a good thing in opening up more opportunities for funds to invest.”

Dr Fahy also welcomed announcements that would make it easier for retirees aged 65 and over to monetise the family home in an orderly fashion to help cover aged care costs and improve people’s ability to invest in super to secure a comfortable retirement.

“Retirees will be able to make a non-concessional contribution of up to $300,000 from the proceeds of selling their home, from 1 July 2018,” he said.

The contribution can be made in addition to those permitted under existing rules.

“There will be some retirees who want to move to more suitable housing or put money aside from selling the family home to cover essential living or health care costs.

“This measure can improve flexibility and living standards in retirement, while boosting supply of family homes.”

Dr Fahy said a new first home super saver scheme would enable voluntary contributions to super and associated deemed earnings from 1 July 2017 to be withdrawn for a first home deposit.

Up to $15,000 per year and $30,000 in total will be able to be contributed within existing caps and withdrawals will be allowed from 1 July 2018.

“One potential benefit of this policy is that it will encourage young Australians to engage with their super earlier in life,” he said.

Dr Fahy said it would be important for the scheme not to involve any significant administrative burden on super funds because this would lead to higher costs for all fund members. In light of this, we will need to work with the government to address any administrative issues.

“ASFA recognises the importance of home ownership as a key pillar for achieving comfort and dignity in retirement, however the design of any new first home saving arrangement should never impose on the primary role of super being saving for retirement,” he concluded.

For further information, please contact:

Teresa Mullan, Media Manager, 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. ASFA’s mission is to continuously improve the superannuation system so people can live in retirement with increasing prosperity. We focus on the issues that affect the entire superannuation system and represent more than 90 per cent of the 14.8 million Australians with superannuation.