AIST Media Releases

AIST frequently distributes media releases featuring important AIST and/or superannuation industry news. To access, please click on the release title.

 

Date
Topic
19 Feb 2010 Cooper's super won't deliver cost-savings - AIST's response to Phase One Cooper Review
The new model for super funds proposed by the Cooper Review into Australia‟s super sector would lead to higher costs and lower returns to members, The Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees (AIST) warned today.
19 Feb 2010 Renovating the super house - or bulldozing it?
Four of the leading bodies for Australia's superannuation industry have today called for the Cooper Review Panel to reconsider its 'choice architecture' recommendations
11 Feb 2010 New Post Graduate Qualifications for Australia's burgeoning superannuation sector: A new university course designed to cater for industry professionals in Australia's rapidly expanding $1.1 trillion superannuation industry has been launched by the Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees (AIST) and Victoria University (VU) in Melbourne.
1 Feb 2010 Report highlights need for debate on retirement savings: Treasury projections that almost 80 per cent of Australians will still be reliant on some form of age pension in the year 2050 has highlighted the need for further debate on retirement income adequacy, the Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees said today.
26 Jan 2010 AIST welcomes Henry focus on retirement income security but warns 9% won't be enough: The Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees (AIST) today welcomed reported proposals from the Henry Tax Review for retirees to swap super payments for a government-provided guaranteed lifetime income scheme. The concept is believed to be among a number of measures contained in the Henry Tax Review findings currently before Treasurer Wayne Swan.
20 Jan 2010 10/10 for Not-For-Profit super during the Noughties: The Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees today welcomed the release of new figures confirming the dominance of not-for-profit funds in superannuation performance tables over the past decade.
15 Dec 09 AIST 2009 Awards recognise fund staff excellence Facebook advertising as part of an innovative marketing campaign has seen Hesta Super take out AIST's platinum Communications Award for 2009. One of ten winners in AIST's 2009 'Awards for Excellence', Hesta used Facebook to target student nurses aged 18-23  and achieve a sign-up rate of about 800.
14 Dec 09 Cooper submission Phase 2: Eight steps forward to a 21st century super system - AIST's response to Cooper Review (Phase 2) AIST - the peak representative body for the $450 billion not-for-profit super sector - has recommended 8 key measures to the Cooper review that it believes are necessary to increase the operational efficiencies of Australia's super sector.
8 Dec 09 AIST welcomes new Shadow Minister for Super
The Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees (AIST) - the peak representative body for the $450 billion not-for-profit superannuation industry - today congratulates Mr Luke Hartsuyker on his new appointment as Shadow Minister for Consumer Affairs, Financial Services, Superannuation and Corporate Law.
16 Oct 09 Cooper Submission: Only not-for-profit funds put members' interests first
The Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees (AIST) - the peak representative body for the $450 billion not-for-profit superannuation industry - has called on the Cooper Review not to tamper with the Representative Trustee model which has delivered superior retirement outcomes for millions of Australians over many decades.
24 Sep 09 Share market rebound halts slide in super top-ups: AIST
A near doubling of voluntary superannuation contributions over the past three months suggest member confidence in superannuation is improving, in line with the recent upswing on Australian and overseas share markets, the Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees (AIST) said today.
18 Sep 09 Role of superannuation trustees key to low-emission future 
Today the Investor Group on Climate Change (IGCC) and the Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees (AIST) will launch a guide to help superannuation trustees incorporate climate change in their investment decisions.
17 Sep 09 Member inertia highlights importance of Super Fund Default Design
New research showing that the vast majority of super fund members stayed put during the worst
of the global financial crisis raises questions about the role of member investment choice and puts the emphasis firmly back on the design of default funds, the Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees said today.
17 Sep 09 Asset consultants slow to tackle climate change
Most of Australia's asset consultants acknowledge that their super fund clients face risks from climate change exposure but few currently provide comprehensive services to help funds manage and assess this risk, the results of the first Climate Change Asset Consultants' Survey show.
31 Aug 09 Women need better pay deal on Super 
The Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees (AIST) - the peak representative body for the $400 billion not-for-profit superannuation industry - today called on the Government to take the opportunity of tomorrow's Equal Pay Day to bridge the superannuation gender gap through a range of reforms.
20 Aug 09 APRA data puts welcome emphasis on long term super fund performance
The Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees (AIST) today welcomed the release of Australian Prudential Regulatory Authority (APRA) fund performance tables, saying the new tables would further promote transparency and accountability across the $1.1 trillion super industry and, importantly, put the emphasis back on the longer term performance of super funds.
18 Aug 09 AIST/Tyndall 2009 scholarship winners announced
The Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees (AIST) and Tyndall Investment Management are pleased to announce that the recipients of this year's 2009 AIST Educational Scholarships are:
27 Jul 09 Not-for-profit super funds deliver superior profits to members
Not-for-profit superannuation funds have outperformed retail master trust funds by more than 2.3 per cent a year for the past 10 years, according to the latest end-of-financial year figures from Rainmaker Information.
9 Jul 09 New guidelines mean super fund members will be better informed
The Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees (AIST) - the peak representative body for the $400 billion not-for-profit superannuation industry - welcomes today's release by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) of guidelines to better enable super funds to provide their members with low-cost advice about their existing superannuation accounts.
7 Jul 09 AIST appoints new chair of policy
The Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees (AIST) has appointed Gerard Noonan, to the role of Chair of the AIST Policy Committee. Mr Noonan - the current chair of Media Super - replaces Sandy Grant, who was recently appointed to the panel of the Cooper Review into Superannuation.
2 Jul 09 Down but far from out…super still delivers over the long term
The Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees (AIST) - the peak representative body for the $400 billion not-for-profit superannuation industry - today urged Australians to keep their faith in superannuation in the wake of another year of negative returns for super funds.
24 Jun 09 Government urged to prioritise restoring confidence in super
Double-digit negative returns means confidence is the key issue facing super: AIST
As many Australian superannuation funds prepare to report a second consecutive year of double-digit negative returns, The Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees (AIST) - the peak representative body for the $450 billion not-for-profit sector - has urged the new Federal Minister for Superannuation, Mr Chris Bowen, to prioritise restoring confidence in our superannuation system.
19 Jun 09 Investors call for climate policy certainty
Peak investor groups whose members represent more than $450 billion of investments and an independent research institute issued a joint call today for regulatory certainty on climate change policy.
17 Jun 09

Transparent fee structure a step in the right direction

The Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees (AIST) - the peak representative body for the
$450 billion not-for-profit superannuation sector - welcomes today's announcement by the
Investment and Financial Services Association (IFSA) of a new, more transparent, fee charter for
financial planners providing advice on superannuation investment.

12 Jun 09

Climate Change "Asset Consultants" Survey launched

The Climate Institute and the Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees (AIST) today launched the first survey into the opinions and capabilities of asset consultants on climate change risk and opportunity.

07 Jun 09

AIST welcomes new Minister for Financial Services & Superannuation

The Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees (AIST) welcomes The Hon. Chris Bowen as the new Minister for Financial Services, Superannuation & Corporate Law (and Minister for Human Services) as announced yesterday by the Prime Minister.

02 Jun 09 Review an opportunity for greater efficiencies in super: peak body
The Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees (AIST) - the peak representative body for the $450 billion not-for-profit superannuation industry and a signatory to the Government's Communique of Principles - welcomes today's announcement by the Minister of Superannuation Nick Sherry of the terms of reference and expert panel for the Government's review of Australia's $1.1 trillion superannuation system.
18 May 09 Minister Sherry launches AIST's new ESG course
The Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees (AIST) and the Minister for Superannuation, The Hon. Senator, Nick Sherry, today launched a new AIST course to provide super funds with guidance on incorporating ESG issues into their investment strategies.
18 May 09 Baby boomers need a fairer deal from super reforms
The Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees (AIST) - the peak representative body for the $450 billion not-for-profit superannuation industry - today called on the government to re-think its super budget reforms for older workers, warning that the new rules on concessional tax limits could hamper plans for last-minute super top-ups.
15 May 09 Don't shift age pension or preservation goal posts: AIST
Locking away super will discourage saving - preservation goalposts should NOT be moved.The Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees (AIST) - the peak representative body for the $450 billion not-for-profit superannuation industry - today warned that lifting the superannuation preservation age would discourage super as a savings vehicle and ultimately harm the Australian economy.
13 May 09 Budget begins process of super reform: AIST
Changes to superannuation tax concessions and an increase in age pension payments announced in tonight's budget are a step in the right direction towards a more equitable and sustainable retirement system, according to the Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees (AIST) the peak representative body for the $450 billion not-for-profit superannuation sector.
5 May 09 Good governance but not enough young blood - super fund survey
Trustee directors of not-for-profit super funds are overwhelmingly confident that their funds are well-governed but believe improvements are needed in board succession planning, according to new research, commissioned by the Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees.
29 Apr 09 Peak body welcomes super industry examination
The Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees (AIST) - the peak representative body for the $450 billion not-for-profit superannuation industry - welcomes today's release by the Government of a superannuation communiqué of principles, of which AIST is a signatory along with other peak bodies in Australia's $1 trillion super sector.
20 Apr 09 Guidelines on unlisted asset valuations welcomed: AIST
The Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees (AIST) today welcomed new APRA guidelines on unlisted asset valuations, saying they would provide super funds with a comprehensive checklist for ensuring that such valuations were accurate, independent and up-to-date.
3 Apr 09 Guidance on Conflicts of Interest Welcomed
The Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees (AIST) today welcomed moves by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) to produce a 'conflict of interest' guide for superannuation funds.
25 Mar 09 Call for Age Pension increase : peak super body
The Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees (AIST) today called on the Government to increase the age pension for singles to $16,000 a year in the upcoming Budget.
24 Mar 09 Not-for-profit super funds could outperform by as much as 40% at retirement
Conflicts of interest at board level may be a factor in under performance
23 Mar 09 Most super investors expect their returns to be worse this year: AIST Newspoll survey
Despite most Australians expecting their super returns to be worse this year, one in two workers think their super fund provider is doing a good job with their super in the current economic downturn, a new consumer survey has found.
23 Mar 09 Super Funds at "First Base" on Climate Change
Australia's largest superannuation funds acknowledge climate change as a risk to investments but steps to manage it are only in their infancy, results of the first comprehensive climate change investments survey released today shows.
4 Mar 09 AIST/ISN calls for major reform: Henry Review Submission
Improve the equity and efficiency of the super system before increasing contributions levels:
Industry super and not for profit funds

Also find:
AIST/ISN's joint submission to the Henry Review into Retirement Income Systems
AIST/ISN simulation paper on retirement incomes
18 Feb 09 AIST welcomes pension draw down relief
AIST welcomes today's announcement by the Government that retirees will receive relief from minimum account-based pension draw-down...
9 Feb 09 Calls for green economic stimulus
In December 2008, the Southern Cross Climate Coalition (the Australian Conservation Foundation...
3 Feb 09 Industry bodies band together to urge Australians to keep the faith with their super
Ahead of the release of interim superannuation statements to members, AIST has combined with
nine of Australia's peak industry bodies to release a communiqué outlining the strengths of the
Australian superannuation industry as well as key issues members need to understand in this
current global financial crisis.
22 Jan 09 AIST CEO Fiona Reynolds Comments on super system supposed "train wreck"
But far from being the "train wreck" that Mirko Bagaric envisages (The Australian, January 19), our
compulsory super system is widely recognised as having helped to keep our economy on track,
in addition to its other key objective of having provided security and generational equity for
millions of Australians in their retirement.
20 Nov 08 Not-for-profit super body welcomes moves to inform consumers
The Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees (AIST) has welcomed today's announcement that APRA is seeking feedback on super fund performance tables aimed at helping consumers make informed decisions about their super.
30 Sept 08 Super scheme for parents - at home and in their retirement
The Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees (AIST) has applauded the Productivity
Commission's recommendation for 18 weeks of paid paternal leave, noting that the inclusion of a superannuation component in the Scheme would provide a much needed, and long overdue,
boost to the retirement outcomes of Australian women.
25 Sept 08 Nick Sherry launches AIST/Climate Institute fund survey
The world's most comprehensive initiative designed to assist super funds manage the risks and maximise the opportunities associated with climate change was launched today at Parliament House by Federal Minister for Superannuation, the Hon. Senator Nick Sherry.
24 Sept 08 Super contributions up…but not up enough: AIST
The Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees (AIST) today welcomed the news that more
Australians were benefiting from the Government's Co-contribution Scheme but called on the
Scheme to be enhanced for low-income earners.
12 Sept 08 Super fund groups support the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme
Australia's $450 billion not-for-profit superannuation sector today urged the Federal Government to maintain its commitment to commence the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme in 2010, warning that early and decisive intervention on climate change was necessary to reduce costs to investors and the community.
9 Sept 08 Carbon costs - Opportunities and risks for Australian super funds
New research released today reveals a wide divergence between the carbon performance of
some of Australia's largest superannuation funds. However the research also suggests
superannuation funds that employ carbon-efficient investment strategies could maintain returns
and portfolio diversification under a carbon-emission trading scheme.
2 Sept 08 AIST scholarship winners to focus on ESG issues and leadership
The Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees (AIST) and Tyndall Investment Management are pleased to announce that this year's 2008 AIST Educational Scholarships have been awarded to three AIST members.
1 Sept 08 AIST Awards to recognise fund staff excellence
AIST is pleased to announce the launch of an annual "Awards for Excellence' program to
recognise the contribution made by fund staff to the superannuation industry and the retirement incomes of all Australians.
27 Aug 08 Less pay now means gender gap is even greater in retirement
Female pay inequity and lower workforce participation costs the average Australian woman up to one third of her potential superannuation payout at retirement, according to the Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees.
6 Aug 08 Tax review opportunity to plug the gaps in retirement incomes policy
Female pay inequity and lower workforce participation costs the average Australian woman up to one third of her potential superannuation payout at retirement, according to the Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees.
29 July 08 Sharemarket uncertainty means time is ripe for personalised super projections
The Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees (AIST) today welcomed moves by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) to make it easier for funds to provide personalised superannuation forecasts for their members.
6 June 08 Paid maternity leave must include super
Superannuation must not be ignored in any paid maternity leave scheme, AIST warned today following the passing of the deadline for submissions to the Productivity Commission inquiry.
1 June 08 Under-insured and most don't know it: Super fund survey
According to new research, one in two industry super funds members are under-insured by $100,000 or more and a disturbingly high proportion overestimate the amount of personal insurance they actually have.
28 May 08 First Home Saver Accounts too difficult for many super funds: Survey
Less than one third of the $450 billion not-for-profit super sector appears likely to offer a First Home Saver Account according to a survey bythe AIST.
23 May 08 New super rules to rob temporary overseas workers of millions
The Federal Government's proposed superannuation changes for temporary residents could cost overseas workers nearly $1 billion in super, the Australian Institute of Superannuation (AIST) said today.
14 May 08 Federal Budget 2008 - safe, sensible but not so super
AIST today welcomed the first Rudd Budget as a safe and sensible budget with its focus on helping middle Australia through measures such as income tax cuts whilst maintaining the right environment for economic growth, infrastructure investment and lower inflation.
9 May 08 Less well-off need $3 billion super boost
Today AIST called on the Rudd Government to enhance the superannuation Co-contribution Scheme to improve retirement outcomes for low to middle income earners.
8 May 08

Not-for-profit super - a winner on all fronts: AIST 

Members of not-for-profit super funds can rest assured that their money is in the right hands with new research suggesting the structure of these funds is an important factor behind their investment out-performance.

1 May 08 Same-sex superannuation reform long overdue: AIST
AIST today welcomed the Rudd Government's proposal to remove same-sex discrimination in superannuation law, as well as tax, aged care and other Commonwealth programs.
12 April 08 Super should be a last-resort option for mortgage stress - AIST
The Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees (AIST) today warned home borrowers to be wary of mortgage lenders promoting products that promised easy-access to superannuation in the event of a loan default.
18 Mar 08 Co-contribution scheme fails to excite those who need it most
The Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees today called for the Government to make its super cocontribution scheme more attractive to low-to-middle income households and younger Australians.
18 Mar 08 Attitudes to super highlight need for more certainty
Most Australians are confused about their superannuation and nearly three quarters of us are not confident we will have enough super to retire on, according to a landmark study released today on Australian attitudes to superannuation.
17 Mar 08 Call to boost the retirement savings of the low paid and women
The Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees (AIST) today called on the Rudd Government to help boost the retirement savings of the low paid and women.
14 Mar 08 Make super fair for all with bi-partisan support
The Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees (AIST) today called for a more equitable national retirement incomes scheme and bi-partisan support to back it.
11 Mar 08 First home buyer scheme must be first-rate for those in need
Measures to ensure that the proposed First Home Saver Accounts help those most in need were released today in a joint government submission between AIST , ISN, and IFF.
12 Feb 08 Home savings plan: Opportunities and challenges for super funds
The Australian Institute of Superannuation Fund Trustees (AIST) is seeking feedback from its member funds on the Government's proposed First Home Saver Accounts (FHSAs)
11 Feb 08 AIST Pre-Budget Submission: Super system needs to be fair to all
Measures to ensure that middle to low-income earners get a better deal from Australia's retirement income policy were proposed by AIST in its pre-Budget submission released today.
23 Jan 08 Super secure despite market volatility
The Australian Institute of Superannuation Fund Trustees (AIST) today urged Australians not to be put off investing in super in the wake of recent sharemarket volatility.
19 Dec 07 Seven steps for a Super New Year
To help get your super matters up to speed in 2008, AIST has prepared this list of New Year 'super' Resolutions.
18 Dec 07 Early-release of super must be last-resort measure
Dipping into super savings to meet home mortgage payments should always be a last resort measure, AIST said today.
10 Dec 07 Not-for-profit funds have excellent record of compliance
NFP super funds had an exemplary record in meeting their compliance requirements, AIST said yesterday.
7 Dec 07 Not-for-profit sector attracts fewer SCT complaints
AIST congratulates the industry and public sector super funds on the continuing low level of member complaints referred to the SCT.
29 Nov 07 AIST welcomes back Senator Sherry
AIST welcomes today's appointment of Senator Nick Sherry to the position of Minister responsible for Superannuation and Corporate Governance.
27 Nov 07

AIST staff appointment

AIST appoints a new Superannuation Trustee Training Consultant

26 Nov 07

Low income earners to be hit by super tax penalty

As the ATO steps up its campaign to collect TFNs from super fund members, AIST has warned that ordinary working Australians stand to miss out on the full accumulation benefits of their super savings.

5 Nov 07

First home saver accounts a welcome move

AIST welcomes the first home saver account scheme proposed by the ALP, saying it will reinforce the positive savings culture broughtabout by compulsory super.

10 Oct 07

AIST rejects proposal to increase pension retirement age

AIST has rejected calls for the pension retirement age to be raised to 67.