Opinions

IPA

Change is needed

While both major political parties have announced they would not interfere with the superannuation system in the next parliament, the reality is that change is needed.

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CAANZ

Areas needing regulatory focus

The new government’s promise of a hands-off approach to superannuation (for the time being) was greatly welcomed by those in the super industry as well as the broader community. Given the vast amounts of reform and change experienced in recent years, a period of consolidation is warranted.

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ASMA

A shift in trustee attitudes

Grant Abbot

It is no secret that the members of the Australian SMSF Members Association (ASMA) like to have their voices heard. With an upcoming election and superannuation set to play a pivotal policy role in the next decade or more, ASMA members have made it clear they want policymakers to consider their position and ensure their status as self-funded retirees is protected.

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SISFA

An SMSF policy wish list

The SMSF community has had some wins recently, with the government abandoning its proposed related-party transaction restrictions and the progressive introduction of a $35,000 concessional contributions cap in lieu of what would have been a complex system for determining higher cap eligibility.

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IPA

Finally a rewarding pay-off

As a professional body, the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA) puts a lot of effort into lobbying government in relation to proposed measures.

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SMSFA

Negotiating the new limited AFSL

(AFSL), which broadens the type of strategic, non-product advice accountants can provide clients, began operating on 1 July.

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CAANZ

The other regulator

When the following question is asked: “Who is the regulator in the SMSF market?”, the answer is nearly always “the Australian Taxation Office (ATO)”. For the most part, this is correct. The ATO is the regulator of SMSFs.

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ASMA

The people have spoken

After months of speculation and weeks of intense politicking, Treasurer Wayne Swan took the highly unusual step of releasing the proposed budget superannuation reforms a month early. 

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SISFA

Perception is reality with super tinkering

The Small Independent Superannuation Funds Association (SISFA) believes constant super changes are testing the patience of ordinary Australians wanting assurances their retirement savings won’t be raided to fund budgetary shortfalls, despite the proposed interplay with the Council of Superannuation Custodians.

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IPA

What constitutes independence?

The Superannuation Industry (Supervision) (SIS) Act 1993 requires an SMSF to be audited annually by an ‘independent’ auditor.  But just what is an independent auditor?

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