SPEAKERS
Learn from some of the best minds in the SMSF and Superannuation space in Australia.
Andrew Inwood
Andrew Inwood is the founder and principal of CoreData and has more than 30 years’ experience in the Australian financial services industry. He started his career at Rothschild Australia Asset Management where he headed the marketing team, before moving to AMP Investments where he spent more than a decade. During his time at AMP, he was seconded to Virgin Direct in the UK to help establish the finance and investment arm of the group.
Andrew returned to Australia to be marketing director of Wizard Home Loans. From Wizard he moved to Telstra where he spent three years as general manager of applications and hosted services, before leaving to start CoreData. In the past 20 years, CoreData has expanded out of Sydney to have offices in Perth, London, Boston and Manila.
Andrew is the author of more than 50 pieces of significant research into clients and their behaviour and has a particular focus on the value of the client experience in financial services. He is a highly regarded speaker and has delivered keynote speeches in every Australian capital city, London, Edinburgh, New York, Tokyo, Queenstown, Monaco and Berlin.
Andrew has served on a number of charity and sporting club boards and been a seed investor in and director of a number of start-up businesses, particularly in the online sector, a practice which he continues to this day.
He has a Bachelor of Economics from the University of Sydney ASIA.
CEO,
CoreData
Anna Hacker
After an accomplished legal career leading two of Australia’s major estate planning teams, Anna now serves as a Client Director within the Family Office team at Pitcher Partners. She holds a combined Bachelor of Arts (Honours) and Bachelor of Laws (Honours) degree, during which she spent a semester in Berlin on a German government scholarship to research her thesis on the language of fear in correspondence from Jewish refugees fleeing Vienna for Melbourne in 1937.
Following her admission as a legal practitioner, Anna initially focussed on Elder Law before becoming an accredited specialist in Wills & Estates, and a member of the Society of Estate and Trust Practitioners. Her practice has centred around complex estate planning and advising high-net-worth individuals on how to achieve their estate planning goals.
Anna is passionate about education and excels at clarifying complex legal concepts, demonstrated during her time as host of Australian Unity’s podcast “What Happens When I Die?” and, more recently, Pitcher Partners’ business podcast “Navigating the Middle Market”. Additionally, she has provided legal consultancy for seasons two and three of the ABC’s award-winning television series “Fisk”.
Client Director – Estate Planning,
Pitcher Partners
Annie Dawson
Annie Dawson is a Senior SMSF Technical Specialist with Heffron, a firm committed to raising standards within the SMSF industry. She provides specialised technical advice on superannuation matters to professionals across the accounting, legal and financial planning sectors.
With over 20 years of experience in the superannuation industry, Annie brings a deep understanding of the needs of accountants, advisers, and their clients. Her background spans super administration, technical consulting and delivering tailored advice to high-net-worth individuals through a boutique wealth management firm.
Annie is a Chartered Accountant, a Certified Financial Planner and an accredited SMSF Specialist Advisor of the SMSF Association.
Senior SMSF Technical Specialist,
Heffron
Anthony Cullen
Anthony joined the Accurium education team in late 2023 and has over 25 years of experience in the accounting and SMSF industry.
He has previously held senior roles managing the SMSF division of a small accounting practice and providing SMSF technical support within a large SMSF administration business.
Over the years, Anthony’s roles have evolved from the accounting function of SMSFs to keeping on top of the ever changing technical and compliance nature of this specialised area.
He now finds his passion in training and educating on all things SMSF. He has experience in delivering training sessions to staff, trustees and professionals alike. Anthony has contributed to articles and podcasts over the years and is regarded for his ability to keep the complex simple.
He is an SMSF specialist adviser with the SMSF Association and currently serves as a committee member for the association’s SA local chapter.
Anthony enjoys the quieter life of the seaside town he resides in. Although, he does like to hit the bitumen and dirt roads in his caravan whenever possible. The Flinders Ranges are one of his favourite places to visit.
Senior SMSF Educator,
Accurium
Arthur Athanasiou
Arthur Athanasiou, CTA (Life), is an Accredited Tax Law Specialist and Principal of AGA Legal Pty Ltd.
He is a highly competent and well-respected tax lawyer with more than 30 years’ experience.
While he provides clients with tax and structuring advice, his main area of focus is in resolving tax disputes with the ATO and SRO and settling tax audits.
Arthur also practises in matters involving tax agents and inquiries by the Tax Practitioners Board including appealing adverse TPB decisions.
His practice also extends to white-collar crime, and other taxation offences. He also has a Deceased Estates practice.
Arthur has qualified as a Chartered Accountant and is a former President of The Tax Institute. He has been appointed as an Adjunct Professor at La Trobe University Law School and chaired the Law Institute’s Tax Law Advisory Committee for a decade. Arthur has been recognized by Doyle’s Guide who has recognized him as a “Leading Lawyer, Tax Law, Victoria” multiple times (2016, 2018-2024) and a “Recommended Lawyer, Tax Law, Victoria” (2015, 2017). Best Lawyers Peer Review recognised him as “Best Lawyer Trusts and Estates” (2022-2026) and for his work in Tax Law (since 2023).
He is a widely published writer on taxation issues and regularly appears in mainstream media and presents at tax conferences and seminars.
Principal,
AGA Legal Pty Ltd
Belinda Aisbett
Belinda is a director of Super Sphere Pty. Ltd., a specialist self managed superannuation company, where she is responsible for providing audit, consulting and training services in relation to self managed super funds.
Belinda established Super Sphere in 2003 to specialise in SMSF auditing and audit related services. This is in addition to providing an SMSF Audit Toolkit to other auditing professionals and undertaking numerous training engagements each year.
Belinda is a member of the CAANZ, and holds a Bachelor of Business (Accounting). Belinda is also a specialist Fellow member of the SMSF Association (SMSFA) and co-chairperson of their audit discussion group.
Belinda is also a member of ATO SMSF auditor stakeholder group.
Director,
Super Sphere Pty Ltd
Ben Kelly
Ben Kelly is the Deputy Commissioner of Superannuation & Employer Obligations (SEO) in the ATO. He recently joined SEO after four years in the role of Deputy Commissioner, Policy, Analysis & Legislation in the ATO’s Law Design & Practice Group.
Prior to commencing in the Deputy Commissioner PAL role, Ben worked in a variety of legislation development, law interpretation and operations roles across the ATO, as well as being seconded to Treasury’s Law Design Practice. Ben has also worked in ATO enabling and corporate roles, including being the ATO’s Chief Risk Officer and Chief Internal Auditor.
After completing a combined Bachelor of Economics and Bachelor of Laws (with Honours) degree at the Australian National University, Ben joined the ATO as a graduate in 1995 and has remained with the organisation ever since.
Ben also holds a Masters in Sport Management from Deakin University.
Deputy Commissioner, Superannuation and Employer Obligations,
ATO
Bryan Ashenden
Bryan Ashenden leads the BT Tech Services team– a group of professionals committed to supporting the adviser community with technical, regulatory, and policy support.
Bryan has many years’ experience in leading and delivery comprehensive technical solutions to advisers and their clients, the last 24 spent with BT and Asgard. Prior to that, he spent six years with KPMG in their taxation consulting division.
Bryan has qualifications in Law, Commerce and Financial Planning, and is a SMSF Association Specialist Adviser. Bryan is a frequent presenter and facilitator at many industry events, has lectured in financial planning subjects and regularly contributes to trade and consumer publications.
Head of Financial Literacy & Advocacy,
BT Financial Group
Bryce Figot
Bryce is also recognised as one of Australia’s leading SMSF lawyers. He has worked predominantly in the fields of tax and superannuation over the past 17 years and holds a Master of Laws from the University of Melbourne.
Bryce is a regular seminar presenter on tax and SMSF topics and has published extensively in these areas. Bryce regularly presents for the major professional bodies including the SMSF Association, CPA Australia The Tax Institute, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand and DBA Network.
Bryce is regularly quoted and published in the Australian Financial Review, the Herald Sun, CCH and LexisNexis publications, and elsewhere in the financial press. Bryce wrote the book Complete Guide to SMSFs: Planning for Loss of Capacity and Death, published by CCH Wolters Kluwer. Bryce is on the editorial panel of LexisNexis’ Australian Superannuation Law Bulletin. He is a Senior Fellow at the University of Melbourne’s Law School, where he is the subject coordinator of Taxation of Superannuation.
Bryce is a Specialist SMSF Advisor™ as well as being a Chartered Tax Adviser.
Special Counsel,
DBA Lawyers
Caillin Goss
With over seven years of experience in the IT industry, Caillin brings a strong background in both project execution and client delivery. Currently part of the leadership team at Priority Networking, Caillin plays a key role in driving business growth while working closely with the technical team to develop and implement a cybersecurity standard that helps clients secure and future-proof their systems.
Caillin’s hands-on approach to managing IT projects, combined with a practical understanding of cybersecurity risks, positions them as a trusted expert in delivering tailored, secure, and scalable technology solutions. Her recent focus on business development further strengthens their ability to align client needs with innovative IT strategies.
Business Development Manager,
Priority Networking
Clinton Jackson
As a partner in Cooper Grace Ward’s commercial team, Clinton advises his clients on an extensive range of commercial and corporate matters, business mergers, acquisitions and sales, tax and structuring issues, self-managed superannuation, asset protection and succession, restructuring and exit strategies.
Clinton’s unique range of expertise enables him to assist his clients with both their personal and business legal issues and to advise through all phases of the business/investment lifecycle – from start up, growth, expansion, transition and exit.
Clinton has been selected by his peers for inclusion in Best Lawyers in Australia in the practice areas of Superannuation Law and Wealth Management / Succession Planning Practice and is an accredited specialist superannuation adviser with the SMSF Association and member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners.
Partner,
Cooper Grace Ward Lawyers
Craig Day
Craig is the Head of Technical Services at Colonial First State and has over 20 years’ experience in the financial services industry.
Craig team is responsible for providing high quality technical support to financial advisers and to Colonial First State’s superannuation and platform businesses.
Craig is a sought after presenter at industry conferences and professional development events and is actively involved in providing ongoing specialist adviser education.
Craig holds a Bachelor of Science and a Masters of Taxation (Financial Planning) and is a Fellow Member of the SMSF Association.
Head Of Technical Services,
Colonial First State
Daniel Butler
Dan is recognised as one of Australia’s leading SMSF lawyers complemented by his taxation and commercial expertise. He has worked predominantly in the fields of tax and superannuation over the past 40 years, is a qualified Chartered Tax Adviser, Chartered Accountant and has an MBA from the University of Melbourne.
Dan presents on the subject of Taxation of Superannuation at the University of Melbourne’s Master of Laws/Tax program. Dan is also a regular seminar presenter on tax and SMSF topics and has published extensively in these areas. Dan regularly presents for numerous professional bodies including the SMSF Association, The Tax Institute and DBA Network.
Dan is a member of The Tax Institute’s National Superannuation Committee, the Law Institute of Victoria’s Tax Committee and is involved with a number of other tax and SMSF committees. Dan is also a Specialist SMSF Advisor™.
Director,
DBA Lawyers Pty Ltd
David Busoli
David is the Principal of SMSF Alliance, a national SMSF administration and compliance firm with a particular focus on the needs of financial planners.
He has been involved in financial services since before SMSFs existed and has a wide range of practical experience in accounting, tax advice, financial planning, stock broking, mortgage broking, investment advising and as a dealer principal. He’s specialised in SMSF compliance & administration, strategic advice, deed construction and education since 1994. He was one of the earliest members of the FAAA and a foundation member of the SMSF Association of which he is a Fellow.
He assists financial advisers and accountants to enhance their SMSF services by providing innovative tools and processes designed to set industry standards. He enjoys helping advisers create a material difference to their client outcomes by process innovation, application of strategic planning, education and problem resolution.
Principal,
SMSF Alliance
Fabian Bussoletti
Fabian joined the SMSF Association in October 2022 as Technical Manager – a role in which he provides technical support and input to many of the Associations varied pursuits.
This extends to responding to member enquiries, writing technical papers, contributing to industry submissions, preparing blogs and media articles, delivering technical presentations, and ensuring that the gold-standard SMSF Specialist Accreditation program is continually enhanced.
Prior to joining the SMSF Association Fabian was employed as Manager, Product Technical and Regulatory Change at MLC Life Insurance, where he was also a member of several FSC working groups.
The cornerstone of his career has been a remarkable 20-year tenure at AMP as a senior member of the AMP TapIn technical services team – providing technical and strategic advice to financial advisers nationwide.
His status as an industry expert was solidified through his previous role as chairperson of the Financial Planning Association’s (FPA’s) Technical Working Group, where he championed the concerns of the financial advice industry during various interactions with Treasury and the ATO – including the ATO’s former NTLG Superannuation Sub-committee meetings.
Fabian has a Bachelor of Commerce Degree, a Diploma of Financial Planning, and is a Specialist SMSF Adviser™.
Technical Manager,
SMSF Association
Jemma Sanderson
Jemma Sanderson is a Director of Cooper Partners Financial Services, heading up their SMSF specialist services. Jemma is a recognised industry expert, and is a regular presenter on superannuation and SMSFs for the industry bodies across Australia.
Jemma is the author of the popular publication “SMSF Guide”, published by the Taxation Institute, and the author and convener of the Taxation Institute’s Graduate Diploma of Applied Tax Law Advanced Superannuation Unit.
Jemma received the Chairman’s Award for her contribution to the SMSF industry at the 2017 conference, and in 2024 received a Community Service Award from the Tax Institute for her contribution to the tax industry.
Director,
Cooper Partners Financial Services Pty Ltd
Kate Anderson
Kate Anderson is General Manager, NowInfinity, responsible for supporting the efficient and compliant delivery of customer focused solutions across the business.
Kate is a highly regarded financial services executive with extensive industry experience, including the SMSF sector. She has more than 20 years in the financial services industry assisting advisers with legislative research and technical strategies. Her experience spans adviser networks across compliance, licensing guidelines and regulatory standards that guide and impact on the provision of financial services.
With extensive experience as a speaker in the areas of super, tax, retirement and social security, Kate has presented for the SMSF Association, CPA Australia, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand and for many financial planning and accounting groups.
Prior to joining Class, Kate was Group Executive, Advice Services & Solutions at Centrepoint Alliance where she was responsible for overseeing the strategy development and delivery of the group’s service proposition to a network of independent advisors. She has also held senior leadership roles at Bridges & Associates, IOOF, SuperIQ and Smartsuper.
General Manager, NowInfinity,
HUB24
Katie Timms
Katie Timms is a director at RSM Australia, and is currently the National Director of SMSF Services. She has significant experience in all areas of SMSFs, including administration and compliance, asset acquisition and tax saving strategies, structural assistance and estate planning.
Katie provides advice and assistance to Trustees, accountants and financial advisors. Katie regularly provides technical presentations and updates for the groups including SMSF Association, Institute of Public Accountants, the Tax Institute of Australia, Legalwise and TV Ed, and has also presented for the QLD Law Society and the Australian Shareholders Association.
She has been published in the Australian Financial Review, the West Australian and Farm Weekly. Katie is a SMSF Specialist Advisor and a Certified Practicing Accountant with an Advanced Diploma of Superannuation.
Partner,
RSM Australia
Keddie Waller
Keddie Waller is a Policy Manager at the SMSF Association. Keddie is highly respected in the financial planning and accounting industries, having spent many years with CPA Australia, including most recently as the Senior Manager for Public Practice, Financial Planning & Ethics Policy.
Keddie has a Master of Financial Planning from Deakin University and a Diploma in Financial Planning from the Financial Advice Association Australia, brings a wealth of experience as a seasoned policy manager and accomplished submission writer to the Association.
Policy Manager,
SMSF Association
Lachlan Sue
Lachlan is a Partner of Matrix Norwest, a Sydney-based integrated financial services business with financial planning and taxation & accounting branches.
Currently serving as both a hands-on Strategic Financial Adviser and the General Manager of Matrix Norwest, Lachlan brings a breadth of knowledge and experience to the SMSF Association Board. He also sits on the Matrix Norwest Investment Committee and is a Responsible Manager & Chairperson of Matrix Intagrated Professional Advice Pty Ltd, an Australian Financial Services Licensee.
Lachlan is passionate about the right for Australians to manage their own superannuation and has a strong technical knowledge of the SMSF industry, whilst also bringing a commercial and pragmatic business-minded approach to the advancement of the industry.
Self-managed superannuation has been central to his professional career, with experience in administration, audit and advisory aspects of the field.
General Manager,
Matrix Norwest
Laura Hanrahan
Laura is a highly experienced legal practitioner who has been advising private clients on tailored personal and business succession solutions for 22 years.
Laura works with families to provide tailored personal and business succession solutions. Her tailored succession planning includes drafting complex wills, testamentary trusts, enduring powers of attorney, discretionary trusts, self managed superannuation trusts, binding death benefit nominations and deeds of family arrangement.
Laura is an expert adviser to trustees and members of self managed superannuation funds.
Laura also practices in the administration of deceased estates, guardianship and administration, estate and trust disputes.
Every family is different and Laura enjoys using her creativity to help clients create a succession plan which works for them.
Partner,
Hall & Wilcox
Leah Sciacca
Leah leads ASIC’s Financial Advice and Investment Management team within the Regulation and Supervision group. The team oversees the regulatory work associated with financial advisers, advice licensees, managed investment schemes, wholesale funds, platforms and managed discretionary accounts. Prior to this role, Leah was ASIC’s Senior Executive Leader, Financial Advisers.
Leah has more than 13 years of regulatory experience and has worked on significant policy and enforcement initiatives. Leah is focused on improving access to good quality affordable advice and working to address conduct in the advice and investment management sectors that leads to poor consumer outcomes. Prior to joining ASIC, Leah was a practising financial adviser for over 10 years, representing several Australian financial services licensees and providing personal advice to retail clients. Leah holds a degree in Business from the Queensland University of Technology as well as a Graduate Diploma of Applied Corporate Governance.
Senior Executive Leader,
ASIC
Lee-Ann Hayes
Lee-Ann is a respected tax professional with 25 years’ experience in Australian taxation law. Her varied roles include training, content creation and advice, giving her extensive practical experience in the daily tax issues faced by practitioners.
Lee-Ann’s taxation journey began at the Australian Taxation Office where she held various technical and education positions. From there Lee-Ann has worked in both public practice and for several national training organisations. She has extensive experience in developing and delivering tax education to a wide and varied audience, including graduate accountants, big four accounting firms and professional associations.
Renowned for her enthusiastic, approachable and engaging presentation style, Lee-Ann has a strong practical focus, ensuring effective learning outcomes are always achieved.
When not at work, Lee-Ann can be found on the netball court, on a run or in the great outdoors with her family.
Head of Tax Education,
TaxBanter and Accurium
Liz Westover
Liz Westover is a Partner and National SMSF Leader at Deloitte. She is responsible for the firm’s SMSF service offering, providing compliance and advisory services to the firm’s clients.
Liz has extensive experience in superannuation and has strong capabilities on the technical and practical application of superannuation and associated tax laws. She is a regular commentator on superannuation and self-managed super funds (SMSFs), having presented and authored articles on these and related issues for many years.
Liz has been involved in superannuation policy development and advocacy, regularly liaising and consulting with Government, regulators and stakeholders on technical, legislative and policy matters.
She is a Fellow of The Tax Institute, Fellow Chartered Accountant, CA SMSF specialist and holds a Master of Legal Studies from the University of New South Wales and a Bachelor of Business from the University of South Australia.
Partner,
Deloitte
Louise Biti
Louise is the co-founder and Director of Aged Care Steps, the leader in aged care financial advice and empowering financial advisers to deliver expert advice on aged care.
As a thought leader and one of the foremost experts in the field, Louise has spent almost 30 years analysing legislation and simplifying technical strategies for advisers and their clients, with a skill for making complex aged care issues more accessible.
With extensive industry experience, Louise has served as a director on the FAAA (formerly FPA) and SMSF Association Boards and was a member of the Aged Care Financing Authority, a former government statutory body.
Director,
Aged Care Steps
Lyn Formica
Lyn Formica is the Head of Education & Content with Heffron, a company committed to raising standards within the SMSF industry. Lyn’s passion is helping individuals and their advisers
navigate their way through the complexity of Australia’s retirement income system through education.
She regularly speaks on superannuation and SMSFs for accounting and finance professionals and other industry bodies around Australia. With over 30 years’ experience in superannuation and the administration of self managed funds, Lyn is also an accredited SMSF Specialist Advisor of the SMSF Association.
Head of Education & Content,
Heffron
Mark Ellem
Mark generally needs no introduction in the SMSF space, he is a popular, experienced and highly sought after presenter who is passionate about educating accountants and SMSF practitioners about SMSFs and strategies to make SMSFs a successful part of their business.
He has extensive experience in Self-Managed Superannuation Funds (SMSFs), Pension Funds, Income Tax and Financial Advisory. He is a Fellow of the CPA, IPA and SMSF Association, and received the 2018 SMSF Association CEO award in February 2019 for his contribution to the association and was in the inaugural group of association members to advance to the status of Fellow in February 2020.
Along with Mark’s regular appearances presenting at national SMSF conferences, he also heads up Accurium’s online education and presents webinars and webclasses to provide an online interactive learning experience providing CPD hours. He regularly composes content, FAQs and CPD assessments for the Accurium TechHub. He provides in-house training to a number of organisations and can provide bespoke training to suit the needs of your organisation.
Mark frequently delivers editorial contributions and provides comment for the media, and has been featured in popular trade media including selfmanagedsuperannuation and SMSF Adviser.
He has spent over 30 years in accounting practices and SMSF administration companies, including running his own accountancy practice and SMSF administration and compliance advice company for ten years.
Mark is a member of the Austin Motor Vehicle Club of Queensland and enjoys driving his classic Austin cars, a 1968 Austin 1800 Mk1 and a 1955 Austin A50 Cambridge, when they’re running and working on them (when they’re not).
Head of Education (SMSF),
Accurium
Meg Heffron
Meg Heffron was one of the founders of Heffron Consulting in 1998 – a business that spans virtually all areas of SMSF practice – actuarial certificates, administration, documents, technical support and education. She is a qualified actuary with a passion for turning deep technical knowledge about SMSFs into practical solutions that accountants and advisers can use to help their clients and grow their businesses.
She is a sought-after speaker at events for industry professionals and their clients, a regular contributor to the Australian Financial Review and a variety of SMSF trade publications and a trusted source of knowledge for government and regulators in the development and implementation of superannuation policy.
Managing Director,
Heffron Consulting
Melanie Dunn
Melanie is Principal and Senior Actuary at Accurium. She is a Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries of Australia (FIAA) specialising in Global Retirement Income Systems and is an SMSF Specialist Adviser (SSA) with over 15 years’ experience at Accurium in our superannuation team. She is passionate about assisting professionals efficiently and effectively deliver superior retirement outcomes to their clients and is a key driver of the design, development, and delivery of superannuation, SMSF, and actuarial services for Accurium.
Melanie’s knowledge and passion for SMSFs and retirement has seen her develop into a thought leader and coveted educator. Her extensive knowledge and experience with Australia’s retirement system, best practices and legislation makes Melanie a very versatile educator in the SMSF and retirement landscape. Her practical approaches and enthusiasm have made her a highly sought-after speaker and contributor to the media.
As well as working in SMSF training and compliance, Melanie provides actuarial advice to financial planners, accountants and lawyers to help them better advise their own clients, and consultancy services to superannuation funds and other institutions in respect to retirement products, valuations strategies, and tools. Melanie was a key contributor in building Accurium’s retirement model which supports the Accurium Retirement HealthCheck, a tool which holistically assess a household’s ability to fund their retirement.
Melanie is Chair of the SMSF Association Tasmanian Chapter and Chair of the Actuaries Institute SMSF sub-committee.
Melanie is a keen squash player and qualified squash coach. She enjoys watching sport and walking her dogs.
Principal,
Accurium
Neal Dallas
Neal Dallas is a Director at BusinessDEPOT Legal in the firm’s Wealth Advisory Division. With particular expertise in superannuation, tax planning, estate planning, and asset protection, Neal provides valuable support to advisors and their clients. Neal is recognised in the 2026 edition of Best Lawyers in Australia in the areas of Superannuation Law, Tax Law, Trusts and Estates, and Wealth Management/Succession Planning.
He is also listed in Doyle’s Guide 2025 as a Recommended Wills, Estates and Succession Planning lawyer in Queensland. In 2023, Neal became a Fellow Member of the SMSF Association, reflecting his expertise in the SMSF sector.
Director,
Business Depot Legal Pty Ltd
Peter Burgess
Peter Burgess is the Chief Executive Officer of the SMSF Association. Prior to his appointment as CEO, Peter held the position of Deputy CEO / Director of Policy & Education with the Association and is a previous Association Board member.
With over 30 years of industry experience Peter is recognised as an authority in SMSF matters and Government policy design. He is a widely published author and media commentator on SMSFs and is regularly sought for comment on the latest policy and sector developments. Through his contribution to the development of SMSF education standards, his Government advocacy work and his commitment to professionalism and thought leadership, Peter has dedicated much of his career to improving SMSF advice competency standards and the vibrancy and credibility of the SMSF sector.
Peter holds an MBA from the University of Adelaide, an Economics degree and postgraduate qualifications in finance. In 2016, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the SMSF sector, Peter was awarded the SMSF Association’s Chairman’s Award. In June 2021, Peter achieved Fellow Member status with the SMSF Association, recognising his significant commitment, leadership and contribution to both the Association and the SMSF sector.
CEO,
SMSF Association
Peter Johnson
Peter Johnson SSA is the founder of Advisers Digest, a professional development training provider for accountants across Australia. With decades of experience as a practising accountant, Peter has built his reputation on delivering practical, straight-to-the-point training that helps accountants not only meet their CPD requirements but also strengthen their ability to solve complex client problems.
Peter has presented countless webinars, workshops, and live events on advanced tax and business structuring topics — from Small Business CGT Concessions and Trusts through to SMSFs and estate planning. Known for breaking down technical tax law into clear, practical insights, he equips accountants with the confidence to tackle even the trickiest client scenarios.
Through Advisers Digest, Peter has worked with thousands of accountants nationwide, helping them expand their technical knowledge, stay ahead of legislative changes, and deliver smarter advice to their clients. His approach is professional yet conversational, grounded in real-world examples that resonate with the challenges accountants face every day.
Director,
Advisers Digest Pty Ltd
Scott Hay-Bartlem
Scott is a partner in Brisbane law firm Cooper Grace Ward and the Chair of the SMSF Association.
He and his team specialise in assisting clients and their other advisers including accountants and financial planners with tax and superannuation (particularly SMSFs) advice; estate planning, administration and disputes; family businesses, business structuring; business succession arrangements; asset protection and restructuring. Scott has a particular interest in how these areas intersect with self-managed superannuation funds and the impact of and on these structures.
He is the Chair of the SMSF Association, having joined its board in July 2019. Scott is a SMSF Specialist Advisor™ with the SMSF Association, a Chartered Tax Adviser, a member of the Society of Trust and Estate practitioners. Scott chairs the Cooper Grace Ward Diversity and Inclusion Group and its ARCUS sub-group, and is the leader of the firm’s Private Client Commercial group.
Scott been selected by his peers for inclusion in the 16th Edition of Best Lawyers in Australia in the practice areas of: Superannuation Law, Trusts and Estates, Wealth Management / Succession Planning Practice and Commercial Law. He was named the 2016 Brisbane Wealth Management/Succession Planning practice ‘Lawyer of the Year’ and the Superannuation ‘Lawyer of the Year’ for 2019, 2022 and 2024.
Scott has been listed in Doyle’s Guide for Queensland Estate Planning lawyers as a pre-eminent practitioner.
He has a Bachelor of Laws (Hons) and a Bachelor of Business (Accy) from the Queensland University of Technology. Scott also has also completed the Certificate of Superannuation Management and the Diploma of Superannuation Management run through ASFA and Macquarie University, and the Foundation Diploma of Financial Planning.
Partner,
Cooper Grace Ward
Shail Singh
Shail completed a law/science degree at the University of Melbourne in 1996 and commenced his legal career in 1997 at a top-tier Australian Law Firm Blake Dawson Waldron (now Ashursts). Since that time, Shail has worked both in-house, and as legal counsel for various regulators including Worksafe Victoria and the Medical Practitioners Board of Victoria.
Shail completed his Masters in Law at the University of Melbourne in 2005, and in 2008 he left the law to train and work as a financial planner, completing his Advanced Diploma of Financial Planning in 2009 at Kaplan, before joining AFCA’s predecessor scheme, FOS, as a case manager in 2010.
Shail was appointed as an Ombudsman at the commencement of AFCA in 2018, and then the Senior Ombudsman (Investments and Advice) in 2021. From January 2022 he was the Acting Lead Ombudsman Investments and Advice until he was officially appointed to the role in May 2023.
Shail has now worked in dispute resolution for over a decade and is a specialist in Investments and Advice complaints. This includes financial planning, derivatives, managed funds, timeshare, cryptocurrency and stockbroking disputes.
Lead Ombudsman,
AFCA
Shaun Backhaus
Shaun is a Director at DBA Lawyers where his work focuses on superannuation, trusts, SME and taxation. He regularly advises on complex structures and arrangements involving SMSFs and represents SMSFs and taxpayers in relation to ATO reviews and audits.
Shaun has been published in numerous publications, including the Tax Institute Journal, Law Institute Journal and the SMSF Adviser. Shaun has also presented on SMSF and related topics around Australia and regional Victoria.
Director,
DBA Lawyers Pty Ltd
Shelley Banton
Shelley Banton is an SMSF specialist adviser and auditor with more than two decades of experience in superannuation, compliance, and risk management.
Before founding Super Clarity, she was Head of Technical at ASF Audits for 8 years, where she provided high-level technical support and strategic guidance to SMSF professionals across Australia.
As Director of Super Clarity, Shelley now helps practitioners navigate complex legislation, resolve compliance challenges, and manage risk with confidence.
A respected industry voice, she’s a sought-after speaker and commentator, known for delivering clear, practical insights that cut through complexity.
Director,
Super Clarity
Shirley Schaefer
Shirley Schaefer is one of the Superannuation leaders at BDO, an auditor by training and a SMSF expert by choice. Shirley’s passion for all things super is well known. She has been working in the super space for over 30 years and is an expert in all things SMSF. Shirley is a regular speaker at superannuation, SMSF and Audit conferences. She provides SMSF competency training for accountants and auditors and is the co-author of the Thomson Reuters SMSF Audit Guide.
Partner,
BDO
Tenille Ireland
Tenille is a Director in the Superannuation team at BDO in Adelaide. She is passionate about understanding the specific retirement needs of individual clients and providing tailored solutions that deliver a positive outcome. Her focus is on providing compliance, accounting and taxation services for SMSF fund clients and working with the Wealth Management team to support the implementation of strategic superannuation services and advice.
Tenille has over 17 years’ experience in the accounting industry and has spent more than 14 years developing her specialisation in SMSFs.
Director,
BDO
Tim Miller
Tim is the SMSF Technical & Education Manager at Smarter SMSF, he is a well-known figure within the SMSF industry, having worked in numerous technical and education roles over his 20+ year industry journey. He has aided in the accreditation of over a thousand financial planners and accountants, and has delivered more CPD training over 20 years than he’d care to remember!
Tim is a Fellow SMSF Specialist Adviser with the SMSF Association, and in 2023 received the CEO’s Award at the SMSF Association National Conference for his contribution to the SMSF industry.
SMSF Technical & Education Manager,
Smarter SMSF
Tony Negline
Tony is Superannuation and Financial Services Leader at Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, a position he has held since November 2015. Tony has over 35 years’ experience in the financial services industry.
Tony is a Chartered Accountant and CA SMSF Specialist. He is a specialist member of the SMSF Association.
Superannuation & Financial Services Leader,
Chartered Accountants Australian and New Zealand
Victoria Mercer
Victoria Mercer is an Associate Lawyer in the Wealth Advisory Division at BusinessDEPOT Legal, specialising in complex estate planning and SMSFs for high-net-worth individuals, business owners, and blended families.
She was named Dux of Advanced Superannuation in her Graduate Diploma of Applied Tax at the Tax Institute (2023) and was recognised as a Rising Star in Queensland Wills and Estates Law by Doyle’s Guide (2022). Victoria is also a regular presenter at industry conferences, including the SMSF Association and The Tax Institute.
Solicitor,
Business Depot Legal Pty Ltd