SMSF Association Media Release
SMSF Association members can take pride of place in the role they have played in building both our superannuation sector and this organisation, says SMSF Association CEO Peter Burgess.
Addressing the gala dinner to celebrate the Association’s 20th anniversary at its Technical Summit on the Gold Coast, Burgess paid tribute to members – particularly specialist members – who have voluntarily stepped up and made a commitment to this industry.
“Let me share the secret of our success. Our members and their unwavering quest for knowledge, their dedication and enthusiasm, and their desire to keep on improving are the same attributes shared by our team at the Association who leave no stone unturned in their quest for improvement and excellence – this alignment in values and beliefs is what makes this Association so special.
“It’s also the reason for the success of our National Conference that has grown to be the biggest and most anticipated event of its kind over the past two decades.”
Burgess used the occasion to remind delegates that the growth of the SMSF sector – it is nearing $1 trillion in funds under management and has more than 1.1 million members – had been a true success story, and one the Association could be rightly proud of.
“In no small part, we have helped guide the SMSF sector into the commanding position it holds in the industry today.
“From embedding the SSAud designation in legislation, the complete reversal of the 2010 Cooper Review’s perception of SMSFs, to the removal of the $500,000 ASIC threshold for SMSFs, we have achieved a lot and earned the respect of government, regulators, media, and the wider industry.
“But none of these achievements mean we can rest on our laurels. We have drawn a line in the sand in opposing the Government’s proposal to impose a higher tax on balances above $3 million.
Although supportive of many of the recommendations of the Quality of Advice Review, we believe the important role of accountants in advising SMSFs is a glaring omission – and have said so publicly.”
He concluded by saying that Association remained on its journey to enhance the quality of SMSF advice and to foster and protect an industry that embraces choice and aspiration.
“With the support of our members and key stakeholders we will continue to invest in our accreditation programs and the technical support we provide our members.
“And we will continue to fight for this industry and the rights of individuals to be aspirational and to take control of their own financial well-being.”