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Program

Join us at the Adelaide Convention Centre for two and a half days of in-depth technical sessions, led by key industry experts. 

Earn over 45 CPD hours – all included in your registration!

National Conference 2026 Full Program

DAY 1
DAY 2
DAY 3

TECHNICAL STREAMS

LEGS AND REGS

Meticulously crafted sessions to provide insight into superannuation compliance, income tax and legal issues for both newcomers and experienced professionals.

STRATEGY

Your one-stop shop for issues relating to strategic superannuation planning including contribution strategies, retirement planning, and estate planning.

ADVICE, PRACTICE & REGULATORY

Targeted sessions aimed at promoting critical thinking, encouraging professionals to examine and enhance their current practices.

WORKSHOPS

Interactive sessions, offering a practical learning environment driven by case studies. Spots are limited to foster engagement and collaboration.

 

 

Please note the National Conference 2026 program is subject to change before the conference in February.

Please check the latest schedule times closer to the conference dates.

Virtual Program

Not able to join us in Adelaide? 

View the sessions included in the curated, 2 day virtual program.

View
Virtual Program
here

Day 1 - Wednesday 18 February

STREAMS
LEGS AND REGS
STRATEGY
ADVICE, PRACTICE & REGULATORY
WORKSHOPS
8:00am
EXHIBITION HALL OPEN
8:00am - 10:00am
thought-leadership breakfast presented by class
Session to be announced shortly

To be announced

Specialist-only session
Getting SMSF Unit Trusts Right

Daniel Butler, Director, DBA Lawyers Pty Ltd

Shaun Backhaus, Director, DBA Lawyers Pty Ltd

8:30am - 10:00am
Session details

Getting SMSF Unit Trusts Right

Specialist-Only Session
8.30am – 10.00am
Halls C&D

Daniel Butler, Director, DBA Lawyers Pty Ltd

Shaun Backhaus, Director, DBA Lawyers Pty Ltd

Unit trusts remain a cornerstone structure for SMSFs — but they bring with them a complex overlay of SIS, tax, and state-based rules that demand specialist attention.
 
In this specialist-only session, Daniel Butler and Shaun Backhaus of DBA Lawyers will take a deep dive into how SMSFs and unit trusts can be strategically structured and managed to maintain both compliance and tax efficiency.
 
The session will examine when a trust becomes “related” and the implications that follow, revisit the rules for pre-1999 and post-1999 (non-geared) unit trusts, and explore how creeping acquisitions, unit transfers, and CGT implications can impact compliance.
 
Attendees will also gain insights into key state tax issues, the interaction of NALI/E provisions, and the ATO’s evolving interpretation when it comes to related unit trust arrangements.
 
Join us to sharpen your understanding of the legal and tax boundaries that define a compliant, resilient, and effective SMSF–unit trust structure.
10:00am - 10:30am
Morning tea
10:30am - 10:50am
Welcome and chair address

Scott Hay-Bartlem, Chair, SMSF Association

10:50am - 11:50am
On the Pulse: SMSF Legislative & Policy Reform

Peter Burgess, CEO, SMSF Association

Session details

On the Pulse: SMSF Legislative & Policy Reform​

Plenary 1
10.50am – 11.50am
Halls C&D

Peter Burgess, CEO, SMSF Association

Kick off National Conference 2026 with our signature opening session, delivered by SMSF Association CEO, Peter Burgess.
 
In this fast-paced and high-energy update, Peter will take the pulse of the SMSF sector – reflecting on significant legislative reforms, regulatory shifts, and advocacy achievements over the past 12 months, while outlining the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
 
From the latest legislative and policy developments to the next wave of reform priorities, this session will ensure you’re across the key issues shaping our sector and the work still to be done.
 
Attendees will leave energised, informed, and ready to dive into the sessions that will explore these developments in greater depth throughout the conference.
12:00pm - 1:00pm
Division 296: On the Pulse

Fabian Bussoletti, Technical Manager, SMSF Association

Session details

Division 296: On the Pulse

Concurrent 1A
12.00pm – 1.00pm
Hall G

Fabian Bussoletti, Technical Manager, SMSF Association

As the details of the Government’s revised Division 296 tax continue to unfold, this session is expected to be ideally timed to take a deep dive into the new calculation framework and what it means for SMSFs.

Fabian will examine the design of the updated regime, including the proposed dual-threshold approach and how it will interact with existing superannuation tax principles. The session will also explore how realised earnings will be calculated and attributed to in-scope SMSF members as well as some key considerations around the election to adjust SMSF asset cost bases to ensure that only future realised gains fall within Division 296.

Keep your finger on the pulse of reform as we unpack the revised Division 296 regime and what it could mean in practice for advisers, accountants, and trustees.

Related Unit Trusts: Beyond Property & Cash

Shelley Banton, Director, Super Clarity

Session details

Related Unit Trusts: Beyond Property & Cash

Concurrent 1B
12.00pm – 1.00pm
Halls C&D

Shelley Banton, Director, Super Clarity

Think a related unit trust (RUT) can only invest in property and cash? Think again. This session takes a deep dive into the often-misunderstood rules governing Regulation 13.22C non-geared trusts, exploring what they can and can’t invest in, and how those investments must be managed under the SIS framework.

Using practical examples, the session will examine less traditional investment options – from crypto to private structures – and analyse where the boundaries lie between permissible and prohibited activity. It will also unpack the policy intent behind the regulations and the original Treasury commentary that supports broader investment flexibility than many assume.

Along the way, you’ll see how trustee behaviour, fund liquidity pressures, and creative structuring can test compliance limits and what to watch for before things go wrong.

Regulator Insights - ATO & ASIC

Leah Sciacca, Senior Executive Leader, ASIC

Ben Kelly, Deputy Commissioner, Superannuation and Employer Obligations, ATO

Session details

Regulator Insights - ATO & ASIC

Concurrent 1C
12.00pm – 1.00pm
Hall F

Leah Sciacca, Senior Executive Leader, ASIC

Ben Kelly, Deputy Commissioner, Superannuation and Employer Obligations, ATO

 

This Q&A session with key representatives from the ATO and ASIC offers a unique opportunity to hear directly from the regulators at the heart of the SMSF sector. Facilitated by the SMSF Association team, the discussion will explore the latest regulatory updates, compliance priorities, and emerging challenges shaping the industry in 2026.
 
Attendees will gain practical insights into how these developments may affect their day-to-day practice and what the regulators expect in the year ahead – helping you stay on the pulse of a rapidly evolving regulatory environment.
1:00pm - 1:50pm
Lunch
1:50pm - 2:50pm
SMSF Auditing: Lifting the Bar

Belinda Aisbett, Director, Super Sphere Pty Ltd

Session details

SMSF Auditing: Lifting the Bar

Concurrent 2A
1.50pm – 2.50pm
Hall G

Belinda Aisbett, Director, Super Sphere Pty Ltd

What really happens behind the scenes in an SMSF audit? This session takes you inside the audit process from start to finish – exploring how professional judgement, evidence gathering, and regulator expectations intersect in real time.
 
Through practical examples and insights drawn from recent ATO and ASIC focus areas, you’ll see where audits commonly go wrong, and how small documentation gaps can lead to big compliance risks. The session will also highlight how the ATO’s evolving audit approach is reshaping standards and what this means for both auditors and the professionals they work alongside.
 
Designed to blend technical depth with professional insight, this session offers an honest look at the challenges, pressure points, and decision-making moments that define a modern SMSF audit – and what it takes to get it right.
Beyond Super: When a Company Works Better

Peter Johnson, Director, Advisers Digest Pty Ltd

Session details

Beyond Super: When a Company Works Better

Concurrent 2B
1.50pm – 2.50pm
Halls C&D

Peter Johnson, Director, Advisers Digest Pty Ltd

In a world where Division 296 adds a new layer of complexity to superannuation tax outcomes, the long-held rule that “you should never hold growth assets in a company” deserves a fresh look.

This session challenges traditional wisdom by modelling how companies can, in some circumstances, outperform SMSFs as investment vehicles – particularly for high-balance clients and family groups seeking flexibility, control, and long-term tax efficiency.

Through practical examples, we’ll examine when holding capital assets in a company may deliver a better after-tax result, the flow-on effects for shareholders, and how intergenerational planning and cash-flow management come into play. With the line between superannuation and non-super investment strategies shifting under Division 296, this session will help SMSF professionals rethink how to structure wealth for the future.

SMSFs and AFCA: Lessons from the Frontline

Shail Singh, Lead Ombudsman, AFCA

Alexandra Sidoti, Senior Ombudsman, AFCA

Session details

SMSFs and AFCA: Lessons from the Frontline

Concurrent 2C
1.50pm – 2.50pm
Hall F

Shail Singh, Lead Ombudsman, AFCA

Alexandra Sidoti, Senior Ombudsman, AFCA

When an SMSF dispute reaches AFCA, every decision tells a story – about advice quality, compliance, and where things can go wrong.
 
In this highly practical session, key AFCA representatives will unpack the latest advice and investment complaints data to reveal what’s really driving disputes involving SMSFs. Through real-world case studies, you’ll gain insight into AFCA’s decision-making process and the underlying risks shaping today’s complaint trends – from conflicted advice models and inappropriate SMSF establishment, to lack of diversification and wholesale investor misclassifications.
 
Walk away with the key lessons learned, emerging risk indicators, and clear do’s and don’ts to ensure the long term sustainability of the SMSF sector.
Keeping Pace with Contribution Strategies

Jemma Sanderson, Director, Cooper Partners Financial Services Pty Ltd 

Session details

Keeping Pace with Contribution Strategies​

Workshop 2D
1.50pm – 4.35pm
Hall K

Jemma Sanderson, Director, Cooper Partners Financial Services Pty Ltd 

This interactive workshop takes a fresh look at contribution strategies through the lens of real client scenarios and case-based discussion. Led by Jemma Sanderson, it’s designed to sharpen your technical judgement and help you confidently navigate complex contribution issues in today’s shifting SMSF environment.

You’ll explore key risk areas and emerging opportunities — from structuring and timing pitfalls to documentation and compliance challenges — while stress-testing your understanding through practical examples and peer discussion.

With a focus on why things go wrong and how to get them right before the auditor or ATO steps in, this workshop delivers practical, evidence-based insights to help you optimise contribution outcomes and maximise your clients’ retirement savings.

Untangling Related Party Transactions

Mark Ellem, Head of Education (SMSF), Accurium

Anthony Cullen, Senior SMSF Educator, Accurium

Session details

Untangling Related Party Transactions

Workshop 2E
1.50pm – 4.35pm
Halls E1&E2

Mark Ellem, Head of Education (SMSF), Accurium

Anthony Cullen, Senior SMSF Educator, Accurium

This advanced workshop takes a practical, case-based look at what happens when related-party transactions in SMSFs go off track — and how to navigate the fallout from both a SIS compliance and tax law perspective.

With the finalisation of key rulings on non-arm’s length arrangements and contributions, it’s time to revisit what these provisions really mean in practice – what’s settled, what’s still uncertain, and where the traps remain.

Through detailed scenarios, participants will analyse “what went wrong” case studies to determine whether the issue lies in super law, tax law, or both – and how to identify, report, and remediate the breach. The workshop will also explore the interaction between related-party dealings, CGT events, and contribution outcomes, equipping attendees to manage risk and contain damage when compliance boundaries are crossed.

2:50pm - 3:30pm
AFTERNOON TEA
3:30pm - 4:30pm
Coming Soon!

To be announced

Family Fortunes: SMSFs and Trusts

Katie Timms, Partner, RSM Australia

Session details

Family Fortunes: SMSFs and Trusts​

Concurrent 3B
3.30pm – 4.30pm
Halls C&D

Katie Timms, Partner, RSM Australia

As the tax landscape evolves, particularly under Division 296, advisers and accountants are re-evaluating how wealth is best structured and preserved across generations. This session explores the complementary roles of SMSFs and family trusts in managing tax, control, and succession outcomes for high-balance and intergenerational clients.
 
Through case studies Katie will examine when and why a trust might be the ideal companion to an SMSF – from managing investment income and capital flows to preserving flexibility for future generations. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how these two structures can work together to balance tax efficiency, estate planning, and wealth transfer in a post-296 environment.
Mental Liquidity: How Cognitive Capacity Drives Your Strategic Capital

Lachlan Sue, General Manager, Matrix Norwest

Session details

Mental Liquidity: How Cognitive Capacity Drives Your Strategic Capital

Concurrent 3C
3.30pm – 4.30pm
Hall F

Lachlan Sue, General Manager, Matrix Norwest

Every professional understands the importance of financial and human capital. Yet cognitive capital – the mental bandwidth required to think clearly, solve problems, and make high-quality decisions – remains one of the most undervalued assets in professional practice.

In this session designed specifically for SMSF professionals, we reframe cognitive clarity and mental wellbeing from personal luxuries into strategic determinants of performance. Attendees will deepen their understanding of the finite nature of cognitive capital, and learn practical ways to both maximise its liquidity and expand the mental resources available to them.

In technical SMSF environments, where complexity is high and decisions involve far-reaching consequences, the intelligent use of cognitive capital is essential. We will examine how its erosion directly impacts productivity, strategic foresight, and advisory value, before introducing evidence-based strategies to build, preserve, and reinvest in cognitive capacity.

By the end, attendees will recognise cognitive clarity as a critical driver of strategic capital and long-term professional success. They will leave with the awareness and tools needed to unlock mental liquidity as an enduring source of professional advantage.

4:40pm - 5:45pm
Super Mastermind

Craig Day, Head of Technical Services, Colonial First State

Session details

Super Mastermind

Plenary 2
4.40pm – 5.45pm
Halls C&D

Craig Day, Head of Technical Services, Colonial First State

Back for its third year, the Super Mastermind challenge has become one of National Conference’s most anticipated sessions — and the competition is fiercer than ever!
 
Hosted once again by Quiz Master Craig Day, this fast-paced, game-based challenge will put your SMSF and superannuation knowledge to the test across a wide range of technical and topical questions. Bragging rights are real, the leaderboard is live, and only one champion will walk away with the trophy.
 
Expect new twists, tougher questions, and plenty of laughs as you compete against your peers for the title of 2026 Super Mastermind.
5:55pm
la trobe financial welcome reception
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Day 2 - Thursday 19 February

7.00am - 8.00.am
Wellness session - Gentle Yoga | All Delegates Welcome!
8:00am
EXHIBITION HALL OPEN
8:45am - 9:45am
Division 296 : Version 2.0

Meg Heffron, Managing Director, Heffron Consulting

Session details

Division 296 : Version 2.0

Plenary 3
8.45am – 9.45am
Halls C&D

Meg Heffron, Managing Director, Heffron Consulting

After months of industry debate, the Government has gone back to the drawing board on its controversial Division 296 tax, announcing major changes that will reshape how high-balance clients manage their super.
 
In this keynote address, Meg Heffron unpacks what’s changed, how the revised tax is intended to work, and what her latest modelling reveals about the real-world impact. She’ll explore how the new design alters decision-making for advisers and clients alike, where the unexpected winners and losers may be, and what comes next as policy and practice continue to evolve.
9:45am - 10:25am
Morning tea
10:25am - 11:25am
SMSF Leasing: Compliance, Clarity & Confidence

Laura Hanrahan, Partner, Hall & Wilcox

Session details

SMSF Leasing: Compliance, Clarity & Confidence

Concurrent 4A
10.25am – 11.25pm
Hall G

Laura Hanrahan, Partner, Hall & Wilcox

Leasing arrangements remain one of the most common – and most scrutinised – areas of SMSF compliance, especially when they involve related parties. In this practical session, Laura will draw on real examples from the field to illustrate what happens when SMSF lease arrangements aren’t properly documented, maintained, reviewed or at arm’s length.

Rather than theory, this session focuses on what to do – and what not to do – when managing SMSF leases. Attendees will learn how to structure and maintain related-party leases that stand up to both legal and ATO scrutiny, recognise warning signs before they escalate, and take practical steps to stay compliant when issues arise.

Super and Separation: Beyond the Legalities

Liz Westover, Partner, Deloitte

Session details

Super and Separation: Beyond the Legalities

Concurrent 4B
10.25am – 11.25pm
Halls C&D

Liz Westover, Partner, Deloitte

Relationship breakdowns are rarely straightforward – especially when superannuation is involved. This session takes a practical look at how SMSF professionals can navigate the financial, administrative, and interpersonal complexities that arise when clients separate.
 
Through real-world examples and case studies, the session will explore how to manage member balance calculations, CGT rollover relief, and the tax implications of splitting super interests. You’ll also learn strategies for dealing with poorly drafted court orders, non-cooperative clients, and the practical challenges of rolling over benefits to another SMSF or APRA fund.
 
With a focus on practical application, this session highlights how SMSF professionals can work alongside legal advisers to achieve the best outcomes when relationships – and compliance – get complicated.
Keeping Pace with Reform

Keddie Waller, Policy Manager, SMSF Association

Session details

Keeping Pace with Reform

Concurrent 4C
10.25am – 11.25am
Hall F

Keddie Waller, Policy Manager, SMSF Association

The pace of reform in superannuation shows no signs of slowing, and staying ahead of change has never been more important for SMSF professionals. In this essential session, Keddie Waller, our Policy Manager, will unpack the latest developments shaping the SMSF landscape.
 
From regulatory refinements and DBFO Tranche 2 changes to the next wave of AML/CTF reforms and other key policy shifts, Keddie will explore what’s driving change, where the biggest impacts may be felt, and how professionals can prepare.
 
Attendees will gain practical insights and foresight to navigate the evolving environment with confidence, ensuring they stay on the pulse of reform and ready for whatever is coming next.
Pension Failures: Fixing the Fallout

Lyn Formica, Head of Education & Content, Heffron

Annie Dawson, Senior SMSF Technical Specialist, Heffron 

Session details

Pension Failures: Fixing the Fallout

Workshop 4D
10.25am – 12.35pm
Hall K

Lyn Formica, Head of Education & Content, Heffron

Annie Dawson, Senior SMSF Technical Specialist, Heffron 

This advanced, case-based workshop unpacks the practical realities of managing pensions under the ATO’s latest interpretation of the rules. Led by Lyn Formica and Annie Dawson from Heffron, it explores how to identify and rectify pension failures, calculate debit values, manage commutations, and meet actuarial certificate requirements.
 
Through real-world case studies, attendees will navigate issues such as failing the minimum standards, dealing with “real” commutations before a failure, and restoring compliance while minimising tax and reporting impacts.
 
With TR 2013/5 now reissued and the ATO’s “no action” era over, the session will help professionals stay in rhythm with change – ensuring pension strategies remain robust, compliant, and client-focused.
Protecting Trust: Elder and Financial Abuse

Anna Hacker, Client Director – Estate Planning, Pitcher Partners

Session details

Protecting Trust: Elder and Financial Abuse

Workshop 4E
10.25am – 12.35pm
Halls E1&E2

Anna Hacker, Client Director – Estate Planning, Pitcher Partners

With ageing clients and increasing complexity in family dynamics, SMSF professionals are often on the front line of potential elder and financial abuse – sometimes without realising it. In this essential session, Anna Hacker, Client Director at Pitcher Partners and Accredited Specialist in Wills & Estates, will explore how financial and personal vulnerabilities can collide within SMSFs and what practitioners can do to identify, prevent, and respond to abuse.
 
Through real-world examples and legal insights, Anna will unpack the warning signs, professional obligations, and risk management strategies that advisers, accountants, and auditors need to know. Attendees will gain practical guidance on safeguarding both their clients and themselves, ensuring ethical, compliant, and compassionate practice in an area where the stakes couldn’t be higher.
11:35am - 12:35pm
There's More to Life than SIS

Neal Dallas, Director, Business Depot Legal Pty Ltd

Victoria Mercer, Solicitor, Business Depot Legal Pty Ltd

Session details

There's More to Life than SIS

Concurrent 5A
11.35am – 12.35pm
Hall G

Neal Dallas, Director, Business Depot Legal Pty Ltd

Victoria Mercer, Solicitor, Business Depot Legal Pty Ltd

SIS sets the framework for running an SMSF but it’s far from the whole story. Trustees and directors are also bound by broader legal duties under common law, the Corporations Act and state-based Trustee Acts, all of which apply in addition to SIS.
 
In this session, Neal and Victoria will use real client examples to illustrate how these non-SIS obligations arise in practice, including fiduciary duties, conflicts of interest, disclosure requirements and the duty of care. Attendees will gain practical insights into how to recognise, manage and – if possible – resolve these issues when they arise.
 
Join us to see how understanding the law beyond SIS can make all the difference in keeping your clients — and yourself — compliant.
Coming Soon!

To be announced

Productivity Through AI and Automation

Dr Evan Morrison, Head of Innovation Lab, HUB24

Session details

Productivity Through AI and Automation

Concurrent 5C
11.35am – 12.35pm
Hall F

Dr Evan Morrison, Head of Innovation Lab, HUB24

Session details to be announced
12:35 - 1:25pm
Lunch
1:25pm - 2:25pm
Payday Super: Ready or Not

Tony Negline, Superannuation & Financial Services Leader, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand

Session details

Payday Super: Ready or Not

Concurrent 6A
1.25pm – 2.25pm
Hall G

Tony Negline, Superannuation & Financial Services Leader, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand

With Payday Super set to commence on 1 July 2026, employer super obligations are changing fast. Add major reforms already in place around wage theft rules, award changes, and ATO guidance on remuneration, the landscape for both employers and SMSF professionals is shifting.
 
This session will break down the latest employer superannuation requirements and how they affect SMSF administrators, advisers, and accountants working with business clients and employees with SMSFs. It will explore key compliance pain points including contribution timing, multiple employments, contractor arrangements, salary sacrifice, and much more.
 
This session will arm professionals with the knowledge and strategies to help clients meet their obligations, avoid costly mistakes, and prepare for the next wave of employer compliance reform.
Taking the Pulse of Retirement Strategies

Melanie Dunn, Principal, Accurium

Session details

Taking the Pulse of Retirement Strategies

Concurrent 6B
1.25pm – 2.25pm
Halls C&D

Melanie Dunn, Principal, Accurium

As Australia’s retirement landscape continues to evolve, SMSF professionals are re-examining how to deliver better outcomes for retirees in a world of longer lifespans, rising costs, and shifting market dynamics.
 
This session takes the pulse of retirement income strategies – what we’re doing well, where improvements can be made, and the key considerations for SMSF retirees when building sustainable income streams. Through practical discussion and examples, the session will explore how to use different product classes, manage retirement risks, and model effective strategies to support client goals.
 
Attendees will also gain insights into broader super and advice sector developments, understanding how emerging trends and policy directions can inform better SMSF retirement planning.
SMSF Ethics: Not All About You

Bryan Ashenden, Head of Financial Literacy & Advocacy, BT Financial Group

Session details

SMSF Ethics: Not All About You

Concurrent 6C
1.25pm – 2.25pm
Hall F

Bryan Ashenden, Head of Financial Literacy & Advocacy, BT Financial Group

Ethics in advice is never one-dimensional and in the SMSF world, it’s not all about you. While practitioners must act in line with the Code of Ethics, the ethical landscape extends beyond adviser behaviour to include the decisions and motivations of SMSF trustees themselves.
 
This refreshed session takes a deeper look at how adviser conduct, client bias, and structural incentives interact to shape ethical outcomes. It explores how unconscious biases, rationalisations, and pressure points can influence trustee decisions and what advisers can do to recognise and manage these risks before they lead to poor client outcomes or regulatory concern.
 
Moving beyond compliance, this session challenges practitioners to rethink how ethical awareness and client understanding work together to build trust and protect the integrity of SMSF advice.
Estate Planning: Legal and Practical Realities

Clinton Jackson, Partner, Cooper Grace Ward Lawyers

Tim Miller, SMSF Technical & Education Manager, Smarter SMSF

SMSFs & Difficult Valuations

Shirley Schaefer, Partner, BDO

Tenille Ireland, Director, BDO

2:35pm - 3:35pm
The Evolving Role of Tax Practitioners

Arthur Athanasiou, Principal, AGA Legal Pty Ltd

Session details

The Evolving Role of Tax Practitioners

Concurrent 7A
2.25pm – 3.35pm
Hall G

Arthur Athanasiou, Principal, AGA Legal Pty Ltd

The compliance landscape for tax practitioners continues to evolve, with expanded obligations under the Code of Professional Conduct and new breach reporting duties reshaping professional expectations.
 
In this session, Arthur Athanasiou will unpack what these changes mean for everyday practice – from navigating the latest interpretations by the Tax Practitioners Board to managing new compliance requirements such as false or misleading statements. Using practical examples, Arthur will explore how to assess and report breaches, understand when self-reporting or peer reporting is required, and maintain professional integrity in an increasingly regulated environment.
SMSF Pensions: Reversionary or Not?

Bryce Figot, Special Counsel, DBA Lawyers

Session details

SMSF Pensions: Reversionary or Not?

Concurrent 7B
2.35pm – 3.35pm
Halls C&D

Bryce Figot, Special Counsel, DBA Lawyers

This session revisits the reversionary decision from every angle – weighing the strategic, tax, and estate planning implications of whether to make an SMSF pension reversionary or not.
 
As client circumstances, succession goals, and regulatory settings continue to evolve, advisers must carefully balance transfer balance cap (TBC) benefits against practical considerations such as ECPI, blended family dynamics, and changing member intentions. The session will also explore the mechanics and consequences of altering reversion status mid-stream.
 
Featuring worked examples and an easy-to-apply decision framework, this session equips SMSF professionals to approach one of the sector’s most enduring questions with renewed clarity and confidence.
Coming Soon!

To be announced

Session details

Estate Planning: Legal and Practical Realities

Workshop 6D
1.25pm – 3.35pm
Hall K

Clinton Jackson, Partner, Cooper Grace Ward Lawyers

Tim Miller, SMSF Technical & Education Manager, Smarter SMSF

Managing death benefits within an SMSF is one of the most complex and high-stakes areas of practice – where legal precision must meet administrative execution. Together, Clinton Jackson and Tim Miller will unpack the key legal, tax, and operational issues that arise when an SMSF member dies.
 
Using real-world case studies, they will explore the full lifecycle of SMSF death benefits- from interpreting trust deeds and death nominations to actioning benefit payments, dealing with documentation gaps, and managing disputes between beneficiaries. Attendees will gain a clearer understanding of how the legal and administrative roles intersect, and practical steps to ensure both compliance and client outcomes are managed effectively.
In-person session BOOKED OUT
On-demand available only
Session details

SMSFs & Difficult Valuations

Workshop 6E
1.25pm – 3.35pm
Halls E1&E2

Shirley Schaefer, Partner, BDO

Tenille Ireland, Director, BDO

SMSF valuations are rarely black and white — especially when accountants and auditors see the same evidence through different lenses. This interactive, case-based workshop dives into the practical realities of assessing hard-to-value assets, from residential and commercial property (including rural and regional cases) to unlisted entities and investment structures.
 
Participants will work through a series of real-world case studies, examining documents and scenarios to assess the adequacy and reliability of valuation evidence. You’ll be challenged to decide: is the valuation supportable, how would you present it to the auditor, and what happens if it’s not accepted?
 
Led by expert presenters representing both the auditor and accountant perspectives, this session bridges the gap between theory and practice — helping professionals recognise when “good enough” isn’t enough, how to defend their position, and how to respond when the ATO or auditor disagrees.
3:35pm - 4:15pm
Afternoon TEA
4:15pm - 5:25pm
Demographics, Destiny and Decumulation: The Future of SMSFs

Andrew Inwood, CEO, CoreData

Session details

Demographics, Destiny and Decumulation: The Future of SMSFs

Plenary 4
4.15pm – 5.25pm
Halls C&D

Andrew Inwood, CEO, CoreData

Over the next decade, 2.5 million Australians will move into retirement – marking one of the most significant demographic shifts in the nation’s history. For SMSFs, this wave of retirees represents both a defining challenge and an extraordinary opportunity.

In this thought-provoking plenary, Andrew Inwood will explore why the next five years will be the most important yet for the SMSF sector. Drawing on fresh research, the session will examine the changing face of the SMSF trustee, what drives success in engaging this new generation, and the critical role professionals play in guiding clients through the transition from accumulation to decumulation.

Attendees will gain powerful insights into how to help SMSF members not just build wealth – but spend it well.

5:40pm
GLOBAL X ETFS Networking function
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Day 3 - Friday 20 February

7.00am - 8.00am
Wellness session - Gentle Yoga | All Delegates Welcome!
8:00am
EXHIBITION HALL OPEN
9:00am - 10:00am
Unlocking SMSF Compliance in 2026

Kate Anderson, General Manager, NowInfinity, HUB24

Session details

Unlocking SMSF Compliance in 2026​

Concurrent 8A
9.00am – 10.00am
Hall G

Kate Anderson, General Manager, NowInfinity, HUB24

Session details to be announced
Aged Care Reforms: The New Roadmap

Louise Biti, Director, Aged Care Steps

Session details

Aged Care Reforms: The New Roadmap

Concurrent 8B
9.00am – 10.00am
Halls C&D

Louise Biti, Director, Aged Care Steps

Australia’s aged care system has undergone its biggest overhaul in a decade – bringing new rules, new funding models, and new expectations for professionals who advise older clients.
 
This session provides a comprehensive roadmap to the aged care reforms, explaining how the new framework operates and what it means for strategy and structuring advice delivery.
 
Attendees will explore the critical decision points and questions that must be asked to determine which rules apply to which clients, and how to align advice with personal objectives. From entry options and payment structures, to means testing and estate impacts, this practical session will help equip you to navigate the reformed system with confidence and clarity.
Cybersecurity for SMSF Professionals

Caillin Goss, Business Development Manager, Priority Networking

Session details

Cybersecurity for SMSF Professionals

Concurrent 8C
9.00am – 10.00am
Hall F

Caillin Goss, Business Development Manager, Priority Networking
 
In an era of heightened data threats and client expectations, cyber risk has become one of the most pressing issues for every professional working in the SMSF sector. This session explores how accountants, financial planners, auditors, administrators, and lawyers can identify, manage, and respond to cyber incidents that threaten both clients and practice integrity.
 
Through real-world examples, the session will highlight the reputational, legal, and compliance consequences of cyber breaches and provide practical strategies to strengthen the defences of your practice across prevention, detection, and response. Attendees will walk away with actionable steps to improve resilience and protect their clients, their reputation, and the profession as a whole in an evolving digital landscape.
10:00am - 10:30am
MORNING TEA
10:30am - 11:30am
LRBAs: 20 Years On

David Busoli, Principal, SMSF Alliance

Session details

LRBAs: 20 Years On

Concurrent 9A
10.30am – 11.30am
Hall G

David Busoli, Principal, SMSF Alliance

As we approach the 20-year milestone of LRBAs, this session provides a timely reflection on what’s changed, what we’ve learned, and how SMSF professionals can stay ahead of the next phase of borrowing reform. David will work through the maze of legislative changes, shifting ATO interpretations, lender practices, and the practical realities of applying these rules in today’s environment.
 
Through practical insights and real-world examples, attendees will explore key compliance challenges and the practical nuances that continue to test professionals — from vendor financing, the use of offset accounts to refinancing considerations and much more. The session will also examine the interplay between related-party loans and NALI provisions, providing attendees with the tools to identify and manage risks in today’s lending environment.
The Main Residence: “The Other Super”

Lee-Ann Hayes, Head of Tax Education, TaxBanter & Accurium

Session details

The Main Residence: “The Other Super”

Concurrent 9B
10.30am – 11.30am
Halls C&D

Lee-Ann Hayes, Head of Tax Education, TaxBanter & Accurium

For many clients, the family home is their most valuable and least understood asset when it comes to tax and retirement planning. This session explores how the Main Residence Exemption applies in practice and how it interacts with superannuation strategies, particularly when clients sell or subdivide their home to help fund retirement.
 
Join Lee-Ann as she unpacks the core and special rules of the exemption, including how they extend or limit eligibility, the implications for foreign residents and deceased estates, and how sale proceeds can be strategically channelled into superannuation through downsizer contributions.
 
Using practical examples, the session will highlight how these rules influence total super balance calculations, contribution opportunities, and long-term retirement outcomes, showing how effective planning can turn the family home into a powerful source of retirement income.
Coming Soon!

To be announced

11:40am - 12:35pm
Courtroom Insights Shaping Tomorrow’s Practice

Scott Hay-Bartlem, Partner, Cooper Grace Ward Lawyers

Session details

Courtroom Insights Shaping Tomorrow’s Practice​

Plenary 5
11.40am – 12.35pm
Halls C&D

Scott Hay-Bartlem, Partner, Cooper Grace Ward Lawyers

In this closing plenary, Scott, Chair of the SMSF Association, brings his trademark energy and insight to the stage to explore what the latest court decisions really mean for SMSF professionals.
 
Through a review of recent judgments and case law trends, Scott will highlight the lessons you need to be across, including the small details that can have big consequences for advisers, auditors, trustees, and administrators alike. From compliance breaches and trustee disputes to documentation pitfalls and professional accountability, this session distils the practical takeaways every practitioner should know.
 
Join us as we close National Conference 2026 by reflecting on the cases that are reshaping how we practise today — and how to stay off next year’s headlines.
12:35pm - 12:45pm
Closing address

Peter Burgess, CEO, SMSF Association

12:50pm
COINSTASH FINAL DAY LUNCHEON
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It brings a lot of value to the industry: a lot of people come here for the excellent presenters and CPD points, but I think the connection with everyone getting back together is a big part of it.
Another great line-up of presentations from well informed and interested presenters that kept me engaged from start to finish.