The steady growth of the SMSF sector has been highlighted by a government minister who has noted its rising place within the superannuation system.

The federal opposition has made an amendment to stalled bill enabling six-member SMSFs, adding a review period one year after it is enacted.

More accurate SMSF performance benchmarking will be facilitated with the release of improved investment return data later this year.

Using super for housing will make home ownership more expensive and runs counter to the objective of building retirement savings.

SMSFs need to improve their appeal to first-time workers to be considered a viable super fund for life option.

Labor has claimed there are significant problems with the Your Future, Your Super bill, particularly around performance measures, that need attention.

The government regards any change to the super guarantee as a trade-off between working and retirement income.