NewsBite

Tax & Super

February

AFR

An investing handbook for retirement

Why this chief investment officer still gets financial advice.

How to plan for retirement as a business owner

Business owners need to think about retirement well in advance so they can navigate the tax implications of selling a business.

Jim Chalmers, Steven Kennedy and Angus Taylor.

Treasury boss rejects ‘politicisation’ attack by Coalition

In a fiery estimates hearing, Steven Kennedy rejected claims his department has been politicised by Jim Chalmers and filled with former Labor advisers.

Accountant Filomena Kyriacou.

Banned Sydney tax agent back in business on the Gold Coast

Controversial accountant Filomena Kyriacou has emerged at the helm of a Gold Coast accounting firm.

Australia’s superannuation funds are looking to expand investments in the US.

Australian super moves to secure tighter ties to US investments

Australia’s $2.8 trillion superannuation sector wants to capitalise on a need for reliable capital to put into major US infrastructure projects.

Advertisement
Ken Henry (right) says politicians like Jim Chalmers must avoid a “tragedy” on tax reform.

‘Punishing’ tax system breaks budget law, ‘mugs’ the young: Henry

The former Treasury secretary has blasted Jim Chalmers and past treasurers for breaking the budget laws by failing to manage financial risks from an eroding tax system.

Instead of insatiably seeking to take in more money from new and existing members, Big Super should be focused on how it’s paying out more to members when they hit retirement.

Big super shouldn’t control our retirement

Meaningful change to the retirement income system should ensure that consumers have competitive and tailored retirement products and services to choose

Cbus chairman Wayne Swan recognises the need for change.

Cbus must heed its last warning, or risk a crisis

APRA’s concerns have echoes of scandals in the banking sector, the casino industry and at PwC. The fund must act to fix its risk and operational weaknesses. 

Wayne Swan and Andrew Bragg appear at odds over what an answer to a question on notice is.

Wayne Swan, Cbus still won’t answer the question

The Labor powerbroker and Cbus chairman and Liberal Senator Andrew Bragg seem at odds on what constitutes an answer to a question on notice.

Treasurer Dr Jim Chalmers (pictured) has been trying to drum up support to pass super tax changes.

Albanese’s super tax will hurt young Aussies the most

The proposed superannuation tax hike is set to be one of the largest intergenerational tax changes in recent memory.

ASIC chairman Joe Longo is at the centre of a big market debate.

Super sector lies at heart of ASIC’s public v private debate

ASIC’s upcoming report into the shifts in public and private markets in Australia reflects the structural changes super is driving across the economy and markets.

While I’m no fan of policy-free elections, I’m even less of a fan of change for the sake of it.

First, do no harm to the tax system at the 2025 election

Large corporates would take a promise to do nothing over ‘somethings’ that have translated into complex and productivity-sapping changes to an already uncompetitive corporate tax system.

While surveys show fears of retirement is the top source of stress for workers, retirees themselves are among the most financially secure cohorts in the country.

Relax, here’s why you don’t need that much super

While surveys show fear of retirement is the top source of stress for workers, retirees themselves are among the most financially secure cohorts in the country.

January

Simone Constant and Margaret Cole plan to keep the pressure up on superannuation funds this year.

Warning to big super: fix customer service, or we’ll see you in court

Labor’s plan to force superannuation funds to meet minimum standards will add fuel to regulators Margaret Cole and Simone Constant’s 2025 ambitions.

Australia’s super system is too complex, according to a new report.

Super has turned into ‘massive inheritance scheme’: Grattan Institute

The leading think tank has called for the federal government to create a lifetime annuity to ensure retirees receive an income for life.

Advertisement
Decarbonisation is firmly in Anna Shelley’s sights as an issue to push companies on.

Big super to keep pushing companies on climate

New climate disclosure laws mean even retail super funds will engage with companies on climate this year. Poor workplace safety and governance is also a concern.

UniSuper’s John Pearce and Rest Super interim co-CIO Simon Esposito acknowledge the risk of the sector’s size, but say super provides stability through deep, patient pools of capital.

Super admits its size is a risk but says ‘what is the alternative?’

The managers of Australia’s $4.1 trillion retirement savings pool say they are best placed to invest in banks and private lending despite warnings from the RBA and IMF.

Australian Super chief investment officer Mark Delany and HESTA CIO Sonya Sawtell-Rickson on US exceptionalism and where to find returns in 2025.

Where big super investors are hunting for returns in 2025

The investment bosses of the $4.1 trillion sector say US stocks will keep driving returns, but standout sharemarket performances will likely temper.

December 2024

Super funds are set to deliver strong returns this calendar year.

‘Excellent return’: How much your super is expected to grow this year

Soaring equities at home and abroad are pushing returns firmly into the double digits as 2024 draws to a close, research houses say.

Private groups and their advisers are on notice about two new tax schemes.

ATO warnings will send shivers down the spines of private companies

The ATO has released its first two taxpayer alerts for the 2024 calendar year. Each a warning to private groups.

The focus on unlisted assets in super has been growing in recent years.

Super’s $500b unlisted asset problem isn’t going away

APRA has found another area where near enough just isn’t good enough for Australia’s large and systemically important super sector. 

Office towers are plummeting in value, but APRA says super funds are falling short on repricing their assets.

Super boards, executives failing on unlisted asset valuations

The regulator demanded funds sharpen their review processes, warning it will not hesitate to take further action and may pursue individuals.

Cbus has defended the high bill of its 40th birthday bash, which both John Setka and Wayne Swan attended.

Cbus says $387,000 birthday party was in members’ interests

The industry fund used money earmarked for staff professional development to host a 40th birthday bash for more than 750 guests

Most Australians wouldn’t know who sits on their super fund board.

Best people available should govern super, not captain picks

The debate we need is not around the equal representation board model, but how we ensure that we have the most skilled directors and management around the table

Original URL: https://www.afr.com/policy/tax-and-super