Before you get too excited, no, the Government hasn’t announced that it is setting up a Superannuation Consumer Centre. When I first read about the proposed Superannuation Consumer Centre in the 2012/2013 Mid-year Economic and Fiscal Outlook and the $10 million the Federal Government was intending to kick in over 3 years, I was very excited that the government had committed to a service that would be, as Minister for Financial Services and Superannuation,
What the Federal Government has actually promised however is to set up a Superannuation Consumer Centre Investment Fund, and the earnings from this special fund can then be used “to fund the ongoing costs of a non-profit organisation with a primary focus on superannuation policy research and advocacy.”
The Government’s contribution of $10 million over 3 years ($1 million during 2012/2013, $2 million during 2013/2014, and $7 million during 2014/2015 year) must be matched by the superannuation industry, or there will be no investment fund. If the super industry doesn’t cough up the extra dough, the government will renege on the promise.
Okay, let’s assume the industry matches the $10 million and we have $20 million sitting in the Superannuation Consumer Centre (SCC) Investment Fund from the start of the 2015/2016 year busily earning money for the SCC. Assuming the SCC Investment Fund generates positive returns, the first amount of cash available to finance the SCC will be available from 1 July 2016. Taking a conservative approach, assume the $20 million sitting in the fund earns 5% a year (net of investment and operating
Presumably that $1 million of earnings in the first year will then have to be used to recruit and appoint the director of the SCC, and hire appropriate staff (including possibly a lawyer, a researcher, a communications expert, enquiries staff, administrative staff and advocates), then rent and fit out premises and pay office-related bills including office supplies, cleaners and utilities etc, and also cover the expected travel costs of busy consumer advocates and hopefully have enough money left over to commission research, and perform the advocacy role.
I really hope that the superannuation industry commits to the SCC, and I hope that the Federal government and super industry kick in a lot more money if the SCC is going to be solely financed from the earnings of the SCC investment fund.
Historically, the superannuation industry has not looked kindly on consumer advocates, and the industry has often treated them as more of a hindrance rather than a help. I am quite curious as to what industry organisations will be willing to donate money to the SCC Investment Fund, and how this ongoing financial commitment will be shared by the industry and by the Federal government.
Many of you would be familiar with my ongoing gripe that consumers are rarely represented on advisory bodies and committees that are supposed to be looking after the interests of superannuation fund members. Let’s hope that the tentative announcement of the SCC Investment Fund eventually morphs into a consumer-friendly service; and a service that ensures changes to
Trish,
I do not agree that it is a good idea for the Government to set up a Superannuation Consumer Centre. The reason is that I want the government to GET OUT OF THE WAY & OUT OF OUR LIVES otherwise, we will have nothing for ourselves. The concept of the “TAXPAYER” means open slather, waste, sloth and no accountability what-so-ever! A bunch of ex-union organisors running the country, as is the current case, is also not the right knowledge mix and ensures a heavy weight in the saddle bags of ALL residents and ensures that Australia faces heavy going in competing for export dollars!