Greiner, Ripoll join SMSF Association Public Policy Committee

The appointment of two high-profile public figures to the SMSF Association’s Public Policy Committee emphasises the peak SMSF body’s commitment to getting the right policy settings for retirement incomes, superannuation and financial services, says Managing Director/CEO Andrea Slattery.

Slattery says former NSW Liberal Premier Nick Greiner and former Labor Parliamentary Secretary Bernie Ripoll have become members of the Association’s Committee, also comprising six other members from the Association’s board, senior executive management and membership.

“This is the first time the Association has looked outside its own membership ranks by asking two prominent Australians boasting strong political and financial credentials to join its Public Policy Committee.

“We are excited about getting two former politicians of the calibre and reputation of Nick and Bernie, and look forward to getting their input into our vigorous policy debates.
“Since its inception the Association has always played a significant role in the retirement income and superannuation debate, and these appointments are further testimony to the importance we place on policy.”

Greiner, who was Premier and Treasurer of New South Wales from 1988-1992, now serves on several boards, including Chairman of QBE Emerging Markets, Deputy Chairman of CHAMP Private Equity, and Chairman of Council of Advisors, Rothschild Australia.

Greiner says: “I look forward to contributing to the work of the SMSF Association that plays an important role in superannuation policy that is critically important to Australia’s future. I have significant interest in the SMSF sector and the broader superannuation industry and look forward to supporting the Association’s important policy work.”

Ripoll, who held the House of Representatives seat of Oxley from 1998 to 2016, was the Parliamentary Secretary for Small Business and Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer. He also chaired the Corporations and Financial Services Committee, with the inquiry it conducted into the financial services industry playing a key role in the formulation of the Future of Financial Advice (FOFA) reforms.

Ripoll said: “I am pleased to join the SMSF Association’s Public Policy Committee. The Association plays a crucial role in advocating for the SMSF sector, especially SMSF professionals, which I experienced first-hand in my time in Government. I look forward to contributing to its policy work and bringing my experience in superannuation and financial advice to the committee.”

Slattery says: “These outstanding appointments will help achieve the Association’s mission of leading the professionalism, integrity and sustainability of the SMSF sector.”