Retirement
Funds, ministers clash over 15% super rate target
Three of Australia’s largest superannuation funds have been questioned by a parliamentary committee on the rate of superannuation, with a majority expressing strong backing for meeting the 15 per cent SG target.
Funds, ministers clash over 15% super rate target
Three of Australia’s largest superannuation funds have been questioned by a parliamentary committee on the rate of superannuation, with a majority expressing strong backing for meeting the 15 per cent SG target.
During the latest debate on superannuation, AustralianSuper chief executive Ian Silk and Cbus chief executive Justin Arter fronted a House of Representatives committee, where both were asked to give their verdict on the rate of superannuation contributions and the trade-off with wages.
When asked whether the rate of superannuation should be at 15 per cent, Mr Arter explained, “fifteen per cent was the original design when [super] was set up.”
“One of the reasons we argue that 15 per cent would be better is because the average balance of our members is quite modest, retiring with about $137,000.
“So, we absolutely support the increase to 12 per cent, and if the government were minded to go to 15 per cent to enhance the retirement outcomes of members, so much the better,” Mr Arter said.
Pushed further by Liberal MP Tim Wilson, Mr Arter said that 15 per cent would lead to better retirement outcomes for members.
However, Mr Wilson and Mr Arter clashed over where the funds would come from, with the Cbus chief executive quashing the minister's claims that a lift in the super guarantee comes at the expense of workers’ wages.
“I don’t accept those observations, chair. You’ve seen no doubt, like I have, a plethora of economic arguments to argue both sides, and you’ll note with the recent increase there hasn’t been a fall in wages,” Mr Arter said.
Mr Wilson retorted, “that’s not true, there’s absolutely people who have had reduction in wages, including people under certain contract arrangements.”
Next up was Mr Silk who, when asked about the changing rate, highlighted the battle with ministers to get the increase from 9.5 to 10 per cent, which came into effect on 1 July this year.
“Our view is that if and when we get to 12 per cent, that will be a great achievement and will be a monumental task to go from 9 to 12,” he said.
Following further questioning, Mr Silk said he would review things once the rate gets to 12 per cent.
“We have a major challenge to get to 12,” he continued.
The second segment of the House of Representatives hearing saw Aware Super CEO Deanne Stewart face a similar grilling about the rate of superannuation.
Ms Stewart, however, was less bullish about increasing the rate, but also supported a higher rate long-term.
“I have to say we haven’t spoken about the 15 per cent,” she said.
“Ultimately, that would help increase our members’ retirement savings. But we have been focused on the 12 per cent that has been legislated.
“In fact, for our type of members, it’s likely to increase their retirement savings by $80,00 to $100,000,” Ms Stewart concluded.
RELATED ARTICLES
About the author
About the author
Superannuation
Superannuation guarantee rate rises to 12 per cent as parental leave changes take effect
The superannuation guarantee rate has increased from 11.5 per cent to 12 per cent from Tuesday, with super contributions also being added to Commonwealth Parental Leave Pay for the first time. Read more
Superannuation
Rest's Sustainable Growth option achieves highest sustainability classification
Rest superannuation fund has achieved the highest sustainability classification for its Sustainable Growth investment option from the Responsible Investment Association Australasia. Read more
Superannuation
Aware Super slashes admin fees for retirees by up to 25 per cent
Aware Super has reduced administration fees for members with a retirement income account by up to 25 per cent and lowered the maximum annual fee. Read more
Superannuation
SuperAPI co-founder criticises Labor's superannuation tax as 'sneaky tax on young people'
The co-founder of SuperAPI has labelled Labor's proposed tax on superannuation balances above $3 million as a "sneaky tax on young people, tomorrow" disguised as a policy targeting wealthy retirees ...Read more
Superannuation
Election policies could reshape Australia's superannuation landscape, expert warns
Competing superannuation policies from Australia's major political parties could have significant implications for investors and retirees, according to a financial expert. Read more
Superannuation
Industry leaders weigh in on concessional super tax as Budget confirms $55bn investment
Changes to the taxation of superannuation earnings and contributions have drawn mixed responses from financial and payroll sector leaders, as the Federal Budget confirms over $55 billion in ...Read more
Superannuation
Call for indexation on super tax cap as $3m threshold draws criticism
A senior executive in the superannuation technology sector has criticised the Federal Government for failing to index the proposed $3 million superannuation tax cap, arguing the measure will unfairly ...Read more
Superannuation
Rest members back calls for fairer superannuation rules ahead of Federal Budget
Rest has called on the Federal Government to implement superannuation reforms aimed at improving fairness across the system, after member survey results showed strong support for a range of proposed ...Read more
Superannuation
Superannuation guarantee rate rises to 12 per cent as parental leave changes take effect
The superannuation guarantee rate has increased from 11.5 per cent to 12 per cent from Tuesday, with super contributions also being added to Commonwealth Parental Leave Pay for the first time. Read more
Superannuation
Rest's Sustainable Growth option achieves highest sustainability classification
Rest superannuation fund has achieved the highest sustainability classification for its Sustainable Growth investment option from the Responsible Investment Association Australasia. Read more
Superannuation
Aware Super slashes admin fees for retirees by up to 25 per cent
Aware Super has reduced administration fees for members with a retirement income account by up to 25 per cent and lowered the maximum annual fee. Read more
Superannuation
SuperAPI co-founder criticises Labor's superannuation tax as 'sneaky tax on young people'
The co-founder of SuperAPI has labelled Labor's proposed tax on superannuation balances above $3 million as a "sneaky tax on young people, tomorrow" disguised as a policy targeting wealthy retirees ...Read more
Superannuation
Election policies could reshape Australia's superannuation landscape, expert warns
Competing superannuation policies from Australia's major political parties could have significant implications for investors and retirees, according to a financial expert. Read more
Superannuation
Industry leaders weigh in on concessional super tax as Budget confirms $55bn investment
Changes to the taxation of superannuation earnings and contributions have drawn mixed responses from financial and payroll sector leaders, as the Federal Budget confirms over $55 billion in ...Read more
Superannuation
Call for indexation on super tax cap as $3m threshold draws criticism
A senior executive in the superannuation technology sector has criticised the Federal Government for failing to index the proposed $3 million superannuation tax cap, arguing the measure will unfairly ...Read more
Superannuation
Rest members back calls for fairer superannuation rules ahead of Federal Budget
Rest has called on the Federal Government to implement superannuation reforms aimed at improving fairness across the system, after member survey results showed strong support for a range of proposed ...Read more
