Government priorities, SMSF investing and admin, Pension Loans Scheme, Large super fund performance
Highlights of the June 2019 edition of the SuperGuide Premium newsletter include:
- WHAT SHOULD BE THE GOVERNMENT PRIORITIES NOW? We ask some of Australia’s super and retirement planning experts, including Graeme Colley, Jeremy Cooper and Noel Whittaker, what they think the federal government should now be focusing on.
- DO LARGE SUPER FUNDS PERFORM BETTER? Janine Mace investigates whether size is important when it comes to super fund performance.
- PENSION LOANS SCHEME: There are big changes being introduced to the PLS from 1 July 2019. Learn more about the scheme and find out whether it could be suitable for you.
- FRANKED DIVIDENDS – WHAT NOW? Thanks to the Federal election, more Australians than ever are now aware of the benefits of franked dividends. If you’re curious how to make the most of them, Barbara Drury has prepared a useful guide.
- SMSF INVESTING: In a suite of articles, Barbara also looks in detail at ETFs, LICs and managed funds, as well as exploring the top ETFs, managed funds, domestic and international shares invested in by SMSFs. In a separate article Graham Hand reminds us how critical it is to factor in inflation when planning your investments, and the importance of real returns.
- SMSF ADMIN: We also have a special section on SMSF administration, with Penny Pryor looking at what trustees need to remember throughout the year. In separate articles Alexandra Cain looks at the decisions trustees need to make through the lifestage of an SMSF, and Janine Mace provides a trustee checklist for 2019-2020.
FEATURES
What should the federal government’s super and retirement planning priorities be?
As we see the dawn of a new government, we asked some of Australia’s top experts in superannuation and retirement planning what they think the government should be focusing on.
Choosing a super fund: Does size really matter?
Size can be an advantage when it comes to economies of scale and investment clout, but big is not always better.
8 warning signs of a dodgy financial adviser
Bad financial advisers are thankfully the exception rather than the rule, but they do exist so it pays to be aware of some common red flags.
What government services are available for older Australians?
Retirees and older Australians, be sure to check out all the discounts, services and supports provided by the federal, state and territory governments.
SMSF statistics: 1.2 million members with $1 trillion in super
The size of the self-managed super fund sector continues to grow in terms of members and assets, at the expense of all but industry super funds.
NEW FINANCIAL YEAR CHANGES
Home Equity Access Scheme (HEAS) explained
The government’s reverse mortgage (previously called the Pension Loan Scheme), helps older Australians convert property equity into retirement income without selling their home.
Protecting Your Super package: What you need to know
The Protecting Your Super Package of reforms start on 1 July 2019. These reforms are designed to protect your super accounts from being eroded by insurance policy fees and premiums that you may not require, as well as help to consolidate your low balance super accounts.
SMSF INVESTING
How do ETFs compare to LICs/LITs and managed funds?
Managed investments offer instant diversification, but there are important differences between the types of funds on offer – from cost to legal structure.
ETFs for SMSFs: How they work and what they cost
Building a diversified portfolio takes time and effort, but ETFs make it easier for SMSF investors. Here’s how they work and what they cost.
SMSF investing: 20 most popular ETFs
Gen X and Millennials are fuelling SMSF investment in ETFs, with the value of holdings growing far faster than the number of funds buying them.
SMSF investing: 20 most popular managed funds
Fewer SMSFs hold traditional managed funds than ETFs, but they still hold nearly twice as much money, with close to half of it invested offshore.
SMSF investing: 20 most popular Australian shares
Australian shares remain the largest asset class for SMSF investors, although the big four banks hold a smaller share of the money than a year ago.
SMSF investing: 20 most popular international shares
Direct holdings in international shares grew in 2025–26, one of only two asset classes SMSFs increased their exposure to, with technology stocks taking four of the top five spots.
SMSFs and cryptocurrency investments
As crypto investments surge in popularity, the ATO has issued guidance for SMSF trustees keen to dip a toe in the virtual asset water.
SMSF ADMIN
Your SMSF calendar for 2026
Forewarned is forearmed, as they say, so why not download our 2026 SMSF calendar to ensure you don’t miss any crucial dates, deadlines or opportunities in the year ahead.
How much super do you need to set up an SMSF?
It’s a debate that never entirely goes away, but there’s a growing body of research that indicates you may not need as much to start your own super fund as previously thought.
SMSF audits: Fees and guidelines
An annual audit is one of the necessary tasks associated with running an SMSF, but it can save trustees from inadvertent and costly breaches of the rules.
