The latest statistical analysis provided by the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA) has shown a significant increase in women’s share of retirement savings balances over the past 23 years.

The new rules allowing individuals to make tax-deductible voluntary superannuation contributions introduced as part of the super reforms have allowed SMSF members to overcome the inequitable and limiting nature of salary sacrifice arrangements, according to the SMSF Association.

Introducing a national default superannuation scheme is a good idea in theory, but in reality would present numerous issues for the super sector, an industry executive has warned.

The SMSF Association has declared the fundamental right of all employees to have the ability to choose their own super fund, including an SMSF, should be an integral part of the retirement savings system.

Positive influencing factors rather than negative ones are the elements advisers and their clients must be cognisant of when determining whether an SMSF has control over a trust in which it is invested and as such potential in-house asset issues, an industry technical expert has said.

While the opportunity to put an additional non-concessional contribution (NCC) of up to $300,000 into super by downsizing the home is not expected to trigger a wave of NCCs by SMSFs, the measure will appeal to and benefit a specific type of trustee, a technical expert has said.

The SMSF Association has backed the comprehensive package of new superannuation legislation introduced to Parliament last week, affirming the measures will improve accountability and member retirement outcomes for all Australians.