The SMSF Association public policy committee has announced former New South Wales Liberal premier Nick Greiner and former federal Labor parliamentary secretary Bernie Ripoll as its latest members, in a move the body said would support the right policy settings for retirement incomes.
The committee comprises six other members from the association’s board, senior executive management and membership, however, this is the first time the SMSF industry peak body has looked outside its own membership ranks.
“We are excited about getting two former politicians of the calibre and reputation of Nick and Bernie, and look forward to getting their input into our vigorous policy debates,” association chief executive Andrea Slattery said.
“Since its inception, the association has always played a significant role in the retirement income and superannuation debate, and these appointments are further testimony to the importance we place on policy.
“These outstanding appointments will help achieve the association’s mission of leading the professionalism, integrity and sustainability of the SMSF sector.”
Greiner, who was NSW premier and treasurer from 1988 to 1992, now serves on several boards, including as chairman of QBE’s emerging markets division, deputy chairman of Champ Private Equity and chairman of Rothschild Australia’s council of advisers.
“I look forward to contributing to the work of the SMSF Association that plays an important role in superannuation policy that is critically important to Australia’s future,” Greiner said.
“I have significant interest in the SMSF sector and the broader superannuation industry and look forward to supporting the association’s important policy work.”
Ripoll, who held the seat of Oxley from 1998 to 2016, was the parliamentary secretary for small business and parliamentary secretary to the treasurer.
He also chaired the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Corporations and Financial Services, with the inquiry it conducted into the financial services industry playing a key role in the formulation of the Future of Financial Advice reforms.
“I’m pleased to join the SMSF Association’s public policy committee,” Ripoll said.
“The association plays a crucial role in advocating for the SMSF sector, especially SMSF professionals, which I experienced first-hand in my time in government.
“I look forward to contributing to its policy work and bringing my experience in superannuation and financial advice to the committee.”
