Retirement
Senate committee gives 6-member SMSF bill green light
The Senate economics legislation committee has recommended that the six-member SMSF bill be passed, despite concerns from Labor that it may lead to “perverse outcomes” for SMSF members.
Senate committee gives 6-member SMSF bill green light
The Senate economics legislation committee has recommended that the six-member SMSF bill be passed, despite concerns from Labor that it may lead to “perverse outcomes” for SMSF members.
In early September, the government reintroduced its measure to increase the number of members allowed in an SMSF to six, when it introduced Treasury Laws Amendment (Self-Managed Superannuation Funds) Bill 2020 into the Senate.
On 3 September 2020, the Senate referred the bill to the economics legislation committee for inquiry and report by 4 November 2020.
While the committee acknowledged in the report there were differing views towards the bill, it stated that most submissions were supportive of the bill.
“Some submitters suggested that there is not a significant demand for increasing the maximum number of SMSF members in a fund and hence no need for the amendments to be made.
“While noting these views, the committee considers most objections to be more general in nature rather than significant concerns,” the report stated.
In its report, the committee noted that the SMSF sector has seen considerable growth since the 1990s and now represents approximately one-third of Australia’s total $2.76 trillion retirement funds.
“Recognising the obvious benefit to Australians, particularly families who number more than four members and manage their own superannuation, the committee sees efficiencies in the bill’s amendments,” the report said.
“As such, the committee is of the view that families should have the option to establish a single SMSF together if they wish to, thereby reducing administrative costs.”
The report noted concerns by Labor senators that the “legislation could bring about greater perverse outcomes for members of SMSFs through poor financial advice”.
The Labor senators recommended that the Senate oppose the bill and that the government consider adopting the reforms recommended by the Productivity Commission to create stronger safeguards on SMSF advice.
“More broadly, systemic reform is needed to ensure people have access to independent advice,” they said.
Self managed super fund
Investing in property using an SMSF isn’t as simple as it seems
There are plenty of good reasons to invest in property via an SMSF, but it pays to do your homework. ...Read more
Self managed super fund
ASIC winds up companies behind SMSF scam
The corporate regulator has stepped in to wind up several companies that have scammed millions from SMSF investors. ...Read more
Self managed super fund
SMSFs are shunning direct shares in favour of property – but is this a good idea?
For several years, SMSFs allocation to direct shares has been in decline. This trend accelerated after COVID. ...Read more
Self managed super fund
ATO issues draft legislative instrument for SMSF rollovers
The ATO has released a draft legislative instrument for consultation on the payment standard that will apply for SMSF rollovers and release authorities from 31 March 2021. ...Read more
Self managed super fund
Critical steps outlined with property transfers and trust cloning
While trust cloning can be an effective strategy for transferring an asset from a related trust to an SMSF without paying duty, it is vital the right steps are followed to avoid issues with the anti-a...Read more
Self managed super fund
Associations lobby government to ‘level the playing field’ with capital raisings
With SMSF and retail investors often missing out on ASX capital raisings, the SMSF Association and Stockbrokers and Financial Advisers Association have proposed a number of steps that could be taken...Read more
Self managed super fund
SMSF property spruiker sentenced in Brisbane District Court
A former Queensland property developer has been sentenced to five years’ imprisonment after being found guilty of six counts of fraud involving SMSF funds. ...Read more
Self managed super fund
COVID-19 reveals ‘flaws’ with account-based pensions
With the pandemic impacting the financial positions of many retirees, the inadequacy of account-based pensions has left many superannuation fund members exposed, according to a new research paper. ...Read more
What to expect as the end of lockdown looms? Will the Stage 2 tax cuts boost your tax return? Where should investors be looking as the economy reopens?
Listen now
Could property prices inflate by another 20%? What’s happening in recent dividend announcements? Did your fund fail the YFYS test?
Listen now
What does the NSW regional permit mean for property investors? Who really wins from the BHP-Woodside merger?
Listen now
The sea and tree-change norm; Square’s acquisition of Afterpay; Why you should think twice before turning to TikTok for advice
Listen now
Self managed super fund
Investing in property using an SMSF isn’t as simple as it seems
There are plenty of good reasons to invest in property via an SMSF, but it pays to do your homework. ...Read more
Self managed super fund
ASIC winds up companies behind SMSF scam
The corporate regulator has stepped in to wind up several companies that have scammed millions from SMSF investors. ...Read more
Self managed super fund
SMSFs are shunning direct shares in favour of property – but is this a good idea?
For several years, SMSFs allocation to direct shares has been in decline. This trend accelerated after COVID. ...Read more
Self managed super fund
ATO issues draft legislative instrument for SMSF rollovers
The ATO has released a draft legislative instrument for consultation on the payment standard that will apply for SMSF rollovers and release authorities from 31 March 2021. ...Read more
Self managed super fund
Critical steps outlined with property transfers and trust cloning
While trust cloning can be an effective strategy for transferring an asset from a related trust to an SMSF without paying duty, it is vital the right steps are followed to avoid issues with the anti-a...Read more
Self managed super fund
Associations lobby government to ‘level the playing field’ with capital raisings
With SMSF and retail investors often missing out on ASX capital raisings, the SMSF Association and Stockbrokers and Financial Advisers Association have proposed a number of steps that could be taken...Read more
Self managed super fund
SMSF property spruiker sentenced in Brisbane District Court
A former Queensland property developer has been sentenced to five years’ imprisonment after being found guilty of six counts of fraud involving SMSF funds. ...Read more
Self managed super fund
COVID-19 reveals ‘flaws’ with account-based pensions
With the pandemic impacting the financial positions of many retirees, the inadequacy of account-based pensions has left many superannuation fund members exposed, according to a new research paper. ...Read more
More articles
Website Notifications
Get notifications in real-time for staying up to date with content that matters to you.
