07 Dec

AIST/State Street scholarship winners to focus on leadership skills

The Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees (AIST)

is pleased to announce that the recipients of the inaugural 2011 AIST/State Street Leader Development Scholarships are:

Debby Blakey, executive manager - member advice, HESTA

David Buley, trustee director, NGS Super.

29 Nov

New super measures put low income earners first: AIST

New super reforms prioritize the need to boost the retirement savings of the lowest paid in our workforce, The Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees (AIST) said today.

The new reforms - announced today as part of the Government's mid-year economic and fiscal outlook - include changes to ensure that all low income earners automatically benefit from the Government's low income super contribution, regardless of whether they fill out a tax return or other type of form.

25 Nov

AIST 2011 Awards recognise diversity in super fund communication strategies

A social media-driven cooking competition and the use of former Olympic swimmer Giaan Rooney as a brand ambassador saw HOSTPLUS and CareSuper take out two of the top honours at last night's AIST 2011 Awards for Excellence.

23 Nov

Support for super legislation brings retirement security a step closer for all Australians

The Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees (AIST) has applauded the passing of the Minerals Resource Rent Tax reform package by the House of Representatives last night, which includes the Bill to lift the Superannuation Guarantee (SG) to 12 per cent and other key super reforms.

7 Nov

Coalition urged to provide certainty on proposed low income super measure: AIST

The Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees (AIST) today called on the Coalition to pledge that it won't repeal the proposed low income super government contribution if it wins the next election.

6 Nov

Coalition's decision not to repeal super rise provides much-needed certainty: AIST

The Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees (AIST) today welcomed news that the Coalition has decided not to repeal superannuation increases if it wins the next election.

2 Nov

Historic day for super and the retirement outlook of all working Australians: AIST

The introduction into Federal Parliament of the Superannuation Guarantee Amendment Bill to increase the SG from 9 to 12 per cent, represented a historic day for the retirement outlook of all working Australians,the Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees (AIST) said today.

2 Nov

Majority of Australians support 12% super

More than two thirds of Australians support an increase in the compulsory super rate from 9 to 12%, while support for the mining tax has grown since February this year, according to a new poll commissioned by the Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees (AIST).

24 Oct

Women with kids have much to gain from rise in SG to 12%

Women who take time out of the workforce to raise children are among those with the most to gain from a rise in compulsory superannuation contributions from nine to 12 per cent, according to new research paper released today by the Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees (AIST).

21 Sep

A new era of consumer protection in super: AIST welcomes super reforms

Today's release of Stronger Super reforms represents a new era of consumer protection in super, the Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees (AIST) said today.

Low-income earners missing out on a really 'super' scheme: AIST

Super funds and the Government must do much more to promote the Government's Co-contribution scheme which is one of the best ways for low income earners, particularly women, to boost their retirement savings, the Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees (AIST) said today.

Institutions poised to invest in global property amidst constrained local market

Australian investors are planning to increase their allocation to global non-listed property by as much as 34% in the next two years as they grapple with supply constraints in the local market and need for diversification, according to new research.

Carbon price likely to have limited impact on most super but carbon risk varies across portfolios - new research

The Government's proposed carbon price from July next year would have a limited impact on super funds overall,suggests new research released today by the Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees (AIST).

Equal Pay Day: close the super gender gap

On the eve of Equal Pay Day, the Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees (AIST) - the peak body for the $450 billion not-for-profit super sector - has reiterated its call on the Government to adopt measures to close the superannuation gender gap.

FOFA reforms a win for consumer protection and improved super engagement: AIST

New financial advice reforms are set to deliver substantial benefits to millions of Australians, the Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees (AIST) said today.

AIST calls on Opposition to outline its superannuation policy

The Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees (AIST) today called on the Coalition to outline its superannuation policy in the wake of the party's rejection of the Government's proposal to increase the superannuation levy from 9 to 12 per cent.

Call for Parliamentary support for low income super measure

The Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees (AIST) today described the Government's move to boost the superannuation contributions of lower income workers as a much-needed measure to close the retirement savings gaps in Australia's $1.4 trillion retirement incomes system.

Carbon price provides much-needed certainty for super funds

The Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees (AIST) has today welcomed the
Gillard Governmentʼs new carbon pricing scheme and predicted the move will lead to
greater investment in clean energy and clean technology.

AIST CEO Fiona Reynolds said the new carbon price scheme was a sensible and
prudent reform that would provide long-term policy and investment stability for Australian super funds and serve as a catalyst for addressing climate change.

Shorter Product Disclosure Statements will improve super engagement

The Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees (AIST) welcomes today's announcement by the Government of a new Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) regime that will lead to significantly shorter and more user-friendly statements for super fund members.

Budget delivers flexibility on super contributions but measures don't go far enough:

The Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees (AIST) has welcomed measures announced in tonight's Federal Budget that provide flexibility to the rules surrounding breaches of the concessional contributions caps, and the increase of the higher cap for over-50s.

Don't overdo it with your super this financial year:

The Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees (AIST) today urged people making extra contributions into their super fund to check with their pay officer or accountant to ensure they were not in danger of breaching their concessional cap limit in the current financial year.

Policy uncertainty a problem, but no excuse for not hedging climate risk: climate change survey

Uncertainty over a price on carbon pollution is a significant barrier to action on climate change but is no excuse for superannuation funds not hedging against climate risk, a survey of Australian superannuation funds shows.

Super funds urged to provide greater disclosure to members under new governance framework

Super fund boards are being urged to disclose more information to their members under a new governance framework launched today at the Conference of Major Super Funds CMSF 2011.

Super industry launches 12% campaign

The Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees (AIST) today officially launched a public campaign aimed at increasing awareness and gathering support for the Government's plan to lift the Superannuation Guarantee from 9 to 12 per cent.

'Super'-poor but surviving: Australian women in retirement

More than half of retired women in Australia are living in households where the annual income is less than $30,000 with divorced and widowed women among the worst off, new research on retired Australian women has revealed.

AIST & Russell Investments launch Super Engagement Index and

The Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees (AIST) and Russell Investments have today launched their inaugural Super Engagement Index (SEI) and associated research report, Tuning in to super, which shows Australians have the right attitude towards their super but many are still in the dark on additional services provided by their funds aimed at helping members reach their retirement goals.

Call for more flexibility on superannuation concessional cap

The Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees (AIST) has recommended that the Government provide greater flexibility for those who make voluntary contributions into their superannuation.

Government's step forward on mining tax reforms is vital for 12% super

The Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees (AIST) today welcomed the Government's acceptance of recommendations from the Resource Tax Implementation Group on the Mineral Resource Rent Tax as a key step towards Australians receiving a better deal in retirement.

Temporary extension doesn't go far enough: CGT relief announcement

The Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees (AIST) today welcomed the Government's announcement of an extension of Capital Cains Tax (CGT) loss relief for super funds but warned that the temporary three month extension did not go far enough.

Australian workers and the nation have much to gain from 12% super

The Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees (AIST) - the peak representative body for the $450 billion not-for-profit super sector -

today described the decision by the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry to oppose the lifting of the compulsory superannuation rate to 12% as disappointing.

Australian women back 12% superannuation: 40 plus sign Open Letter to Parliament

On the eve of the 100th anniversary of International Women's Day (Tuesday March 8th), more than 40 prominent Australian women drawn from business, academia, the arts and other walks of life have signed an Open Letter (see below) to the Australian Parliament calling for a lift in the compulsory superannuation rate from nine to 12 per cent.

AIST calls for Tax file Number verification system

The Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees (AIST) has called for the introduction of online 'real-time' Tax File Number (TFN) verification as part of the Government's 'Stronger Super' plan to use the TFN as the primary superannuation account identifier from July 1 this year.

APRA data confirms need for more women on company and super fund boards

The Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees today welcomed research released by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA), which confirmed a lack of gender diversity on corporate and super fund boards.

Early release super for flood victims

The Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees (AIST) today reminded super fund members affected by flooding across Australia that they may, depending on their circumstances, be able to seek early access to some of their superannuation.