Incoming SMSF Association chief executive Peter Burgess has revealed he intends to make the members of the industry body the number one priority during his time at the helm of the organisation.
“The association I lead will be very much dedicated to groups committed to our members continuing to provide the support that you need to provide high-quality SMSF advice,” Burgess told SMSF Association National Conference 2023 attendees on the final day of the event in Melbourne last week.
He pointed out this will be achieved through an emphasis on the various association chapters across the country and encouraged the involvement of practitioners.
“We ask you for your help as we rebuild and relaunch our local communities as we continue to invest in our accreditation programs, our SSA and SSAud designations, to ensure they remain the gold standard in this sector,” he said.
In sharing his objectives as SMSF Association chief executive, he reaffirmed his personal commitment to the space.
“I’m very passionate about this sector and growing this industry and growing this association. Together with the members, together with our sponsors and our key stakeholders and our research partners, we will be working hard to change the narrative and the misconceptions around self-managed super funds,” he said.
“They’re not just a retirement savings vehicle for the rich.”
According to Burgess, he would like the attitude of consumers to be one of: “Why not a self-managed super fund?”
Further, he confirmed his involvement in advocacy for the sector would continue.
“I will no doubt be representing the sector and standing up for the rights of individuals to choose the level of engagement and choice of [vehicle for] their retirement savings,” he said.
He finished his address by thanking the SMSF Association board for its vote of confidence in appointing him as chief executive and noted he was looking forward to working with all of the directors in the next few years.
Burgess officially enters the role of SMSF Association chief executive on 1 March.
