With a change in leadership of the current coalition government to Malcolm Turnbull there have been rumblings that all parts of the tax equation are up for review, including superannuation.

Borrowing in superannuation is not new. Every day retail, industry and public sector funds as well as SMSFs invest in managed funds, shares and many other types of investments where the managers or directors of those companies have chosen to borrow to further unit holder or shareholder returns.

There is no doubt SMSFs are a big sector of the economy and a favoured savings vehicle for those who aspire to lead a comfortable life in retirement. With $1 trillion expected to be in the sector, all things being equal, by 2020, it is a significant weight of money not to be messed with. 

Australian SMSF Members Association (ASMA) members are surveyed on a regular basis to get their views on specific subjects that relate to their SMSF. The surveys are quick but comprehensive and on average we receive 250-plus responses from each survey, and that is over a short 24-hour period.

Australian SMSF Members Association (ASMA) members are asking why it is there are so many professional bodies and associations out there lobbying and claiming to represent the interests of SMSF members, without any of them actually asking SMSF members for their opinion.

The time has come for our large superannuation funds to stop using clumsy dinosaur-like business practices that unfairly penalise their members and fail to recognise what the modern superannuant requires from their superannuation fund provider.

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.

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.