TECHNICAL STREAMS
Program
Join us virtually for two days of in-depth technical sessions, led by key industry experts. Earn up to 22 CPD hours – all included in your registration – available livestreamed and on-demand!
Day 1 - Wednesday 19 february
8:00am
VIRTUAL PLATFORM OPEN
10:40am - 11:35am
plenary 1
Steering Through Change: Recent Legislative Changes and What to Expect in 2025
Peter Burgess, CEO, SMSF Association
PLENARY: Steering through change: Recent Legislative Changes and What to Expect in 2025
Peter Burgess, CEO, SMSF Association
Kick off National Conference 2025 on a high note with our traditional fast-paced, high-energy legislation update session, presented by SMSF Association CEO, Peter Burgess. In this annual favourite, Peter will review the key legislative changes that shaped the SMSF landscape in 2024 and provide an inside look at the legislative agenda for the year ahead. This year, Peter will also share some of the wins we've achieved with the government on crucial policy matters. Attendees will gain a comprehensive stocktake of enacted changes, upcoming reforms, and a preview of sessions that will dive deeper into these critical issues.
12:00pm - 1:00pm
legs & regs
Concurrent 1A
Evidencing SMSF Market Valuations
Bryce Figot, Special Counsel, DBA Lawyers Pty Ltd
LEGS & REGS: Evidencing SMSF market valuations
Bryce Figot, Special Counsel, DBA Lawyers Pty Ltd
In this session, Bryce will address the critical issues surrounding evidencing market value for SMSFs. Attendees will learn what the ATO expects when auditing approved SMSF auditors and how to properly document asset values without needing to engage a qualified independent valuer. Bryce will explore key changes in the ATO’s position on market valuations, providing practical guidance on how to evidence the value of residential and commercial real estate, as well as more complex investments like unlisted entities. This session will equip you with the knowledge to meet compliance standards and satisfy both auditors and the ATO.
Strategy
Concurrent 1B
Is It Really BRP? Exploring the Complexities of Business Real Property
Shelley Banton, Head of Education, ASF Audits
STRATEGY: Is It Really BRP? Exploring the Complexities of Business Real Property
Shelley Banton, Head of Education, ASF Audits
Defining business real property (BRP) is crucial for compliance in SMSFs, yet determining whether a property meets the criteria can be complex. Since the publication of SMSFR 2009/1, the use and classification of properties have evolved, introducing new challenges. Join Shelley as she takes a detailed look at the BRP definition and address both technical and practical issues that arise in its application. Through practical case studies, attendees will learn how to assess BRP in practice, understand key compliance factors, and apply the “wholly and exclusively” business use test. The session will also explore the evolution of BRP, traditional applications, and modern interpretations, drawing insights from recent cases and ATO rulings. Whether you’re an accountant, auditor, adviser, or SMSF administrator, this session will equip you with the knowledge to navigate the complexities of business real property with confidence.
Advice, Practice & Regulatory
Concurrent 1C
Regulators' Update: A Q&A with the ATO & ASIC
Emma Rosenzweig, Deputy Commissioner – Superannuation & Employer Obligations, ATO
Leah Sciacca, Senior Executive Leader, Financial Advice & Investment Management, ASIC
ADVICE, PRACTICE & REGULATORY: Regulators' Update: A Q&A with the ATO & ASIC
Emma Rosenzweig, Deputy Commissioner - Superannuation & Employer Obligations, ATO
Leah Sciacca, Senior Executive Leader, Financial Advice & Investment Management, ASIC
This Q&A session with key representatives from the ATO and ASIC offers a unique opportunity to hear directly from the regulators shaping the SMSF landscape. Facilitated by our team, this session will cover the latest regulatory updates, compliance trends, and emerging challenges facing the sector. Attendees will gain valuable insights into how recent developments may impact their practices, ensuring they stay ahead in a rapidly evolving regulatory environment.
1:00pm - 1:50pm
Lunch BREAK
1:50pm - 2:50pm
Concurrent 2A
Auditor Litigation Risks: Case Studies and Audit File Lessons
Belinda Aisbett, Director, Super Sphere Pty Ltd
LEGS & REGS: Auditor Litigation Risks: Case Studies and Audit File Lessons
Belinda Aisbett, Director, Super Sphere Pty Ltd
This session will explore the litigation risks faced by SMSF auditors, using real-life case studies and lessons from audit files. Attendees will gain practical insights into common legal pitfalls, compliance failures, and how to mitigate risks in their own practices. Belinda will draw on her vast knowledge, sharing with attendees her client experiences to help auditors safeguard against costly litigation and maintain high standards of compliance.
Concurrent 2B
Beyond the Farm Gate: Deep Dive into Primary Production Land and SMSFs
Katie Timms, Director, SMSF Services, RSM Australia
STRATEGY: Beyond the Farm Gate: Deep Dive into Primary Production Land and SMSFs
Katie Timms, Director, SMSF Services, RSM Australia
This session will take a deep dive into the unique challenges of managing primary production land within SMSFs. Attendees will explore the complexities associated with owning primary production land plus the associated tax implications, including CGT, stamp duty, and exempt current pension income (ECPI). Katie will also address critical issues around managing such a lumpy asset during disaster times, such as droughts or floods, and explore the growing significance of wind farms, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) considerations, and carbon credits in farming operations.
The session will provide practical insights into limited recourse borrowing arrangements (LRBAs), divorce-related asset division, and the evolving role of renewable energy and sustainability in SMSFs. Real-life case studies will help participants navigate these complexities and unlock the strategic potential of holding primary production land in SMSFs while maintaining compliance and long-term planning goals.
Concurrent 2C
Staying in Your Lane: Demarcating Professional Roles in SMSF Advice
Peter Bobbin, Consultant Lawyer, Bobbin Lawyers
ADVICE, PRACTICE & REGULATORY: Staying in Your Lane: Demarcating Professional Roles in SMSF Advice
Peter Bobbin, Consultant Lawyer, Bobbin Lawyers
As the lines between accounting, legal, and financial advice become increasingly blurred, it’s essential to understand where your professional role begins and ends. This session will explore the demarcation of roles across accountants, advisers, and legal professionals, referencing cases which serve as a clear warning of the risks of providing services without the appropriate qualifications.
Attendees will learn how to collaborate effectively with a trusted network of professionals while staying within the scope of their expertise, ensuring compliance with professional standards and safeguarding against potential legal and financial liabilities. Peter will refer to case studies to demonstrate how actions, even if taken with good intentions, can breach professional boundaries and potentially even cross over, into tax scheme promoter territory. Make sure you come along to maintain the integrity of your professional services and protect your professional indemnity insurance coverage.
2:50pm - 3:35pm
AFTERNOON TEA BREAK
3:35pm - 4:35pm
Concurrent 3A
Should We Tell Mum Before She Finds Out?: Voluntary Disclosure and Trustee Disqualification
Neal Dallas, Director, businessDEPOT Legal
Victoria Mercer, Associate, businessDEPOT Legal
LEGS & REGS: Should We Tell Mum Before She Finds Out?: Voluntary Disclosure and Trustee Disqualification
Neal Dallas, Director, businessDEPOT Legal
Victoria Mercer, Associate, businessDEPOT Legal
Join Neal and Victoria for this must-attend session, where you’ll learn how SMSF professionals can proactively navigate complex ATO compliance issues. Discover when trustees should make voluntary disclosures, how early action can significantly reduce penalties, and the clear steps involved in the reporting process. You’ll gain insights from real-life case studies that show what works and what to avoid, ensuring you’re equipped to guide your clients successfully.
The session will also cover the ATO’s strict approach to trustee disqualification, why trustees are disqualified, the consequences, and how to prevent or dispute disqualification. Learn practical strategies for managing SMSFs post-disqualification and protecting your clients from unnecessary risks.
Concurrent 3B
Smart SMSF Strategies: Optimising Investment Portfolios and Tax Efficiency
Cameron Gleeson, Senior Investment Strategist, Betashares
STRATEGY: Smart SMSF Strategies: Optimising Investment Portfolios and Tax Efficiency
Cameron Gleeson, Senior Investment Strategist, Betashares
Drawing on the latest analysis and investment trends, Betashares Senior Investment Strategist, Cameron Gleeson will outline the different approaches SMSFs are using to build and maintain investment portfolios.
Cameron will discuss and evaluate a range of investment strategies that SMSFs can employ to build a tax effective investment portfolio, maximise the concessional contribution cap or manage the impact of any new taxes. By the end of this session, participants will have actionable insights to optimise their clients' SMSF investment strategies.
Concurrent 3C
Mental Health Matters
Timothy Hewson, Director, Betterment Consulting Pty Ltd
ADVICE, PRACTICE & REGULATORY: Staying in Your Lane: Mental Health Matters
Timothy Hewson, Director, Betterment Consulting Pty Ltd
Tim uses storytelling, science, and a healthy dose of humour to share how tackling his own mental health challenges led him to a purpose he never could have imagined. In 2021, Tim founded Mongrels Men, a men’s mental health charity dedicated to preventing, controlling and reducing mental health illnesses, disorders and suicide.
Come along to this session to gain insight into the mental health crisis, the isolation and loneliness epidemic and also gain an understanding of why poor mental health and suicide is so prevalent amongst Australians.
You will walk away feeling inspired and empowered to be a catalyst for change and also learn practical ways you can get help and/or support others through challenging times using the proven pillars of conversation, connection, community and movement.
4:35pm
END OF DAY 1
Day 2 - Thursday 20 february
10:25am - 11:25am
legs & regs
Concurrent 4A
Super Access Simplified: Tackling the Complexities of Conditions of Release
Julie Steed, Senior Technical Services Manager – MLC TechConnect
LEGS & REGS: Super Access Simplified: Tackling the Complexities of Conditions of Release
Julie Steed, Senior Technical Services Manager - MLC TechConnect
While many of the conditions of release that allow fund members to access their super have remained unchanged for years, several areas continue to cause confusion. In this session, we will review some of the more complex conditions of release, including dealing with disability and terminal illness benefits, and explore strategic options to avoid pitfalls and maximise client outcomes. Attendees will also gain a clear understanding of the documentation requirements needed to prove that a condition of release has been met. Through practical case studies and real-world examples, Julie will also look at common compliance issues, such as illegal early access, and provide strategies for managing these challenges.
Strategy
Concurrent 4B
The Cost of Retiring Well: Balancing Lifestyle, Longevity, and Taxes
Melanie Dunn, Principal, Accurium
STRATEGY: The Cost of Retiring Well: Balancing Lifestyle, Longevity, and Taxes
Melanie Dunn
Principal, Accurium
Don’t miss this forward-looking session, where Melanie will delve into the strategies retirees can adopt to balance lifestyle aspirations with long-term financial security and tax efficiency. She’ll explore how SMSF trustees can determine what is a sustainable retirement income, addressing concerns which lead to only drawing the minimum pension payments.
Melanie will also guide attendees on how to assess the retirement planning horizon of SMSF trustees, including insights on Australia’s mortality post COVID from the latest Australian Life Tables. You’ll learn to maximise Exempt Current Pension Income (ECPI) whilst navigating the complexities of managing capital gains and losses and identify the challenges of tax efficient retirement planning when legislative change appears consistently on our horizon.
Be at the forefront of change and arm yourself with retirement strategies to help your clients optimise their superannuation savings in a constantly evolving financial & legislative landscape.
Advice, Practice & Regulatory
Concurrent 4C
Shaping the Future of the SMSF Industry
Tracey Scotchbrook, Head of Policy & Advocacy, SMSF Association
ADVICE, PRACTICE & REGULATORY: Shaping the Future of the SMSF Industry
Tracey Scotchbrook
Head of Policy & Advocacy, SMSF Association
With the superannuation landscape constantly evolving, staying ahead of policy changes is crucial for SMSF professionals. Join Tracey Scotchbrook, our Head of Policy and an industry advocate at the forefront of change, for this essential update on the latest policy issues and emerging challenges.
Tracey will dive into the policy changes that could reshape the industry, exploring how they may impact your day-to-day practice and what’s on the horizon. Through practical insights, attendees will gain the knowledge and foresight needed to proactively respond to upcoming challenges and opportunities. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with the future of the SMSF sector and stay informed about the issues that matter most.
11:35am - 12:35pm
Concurrent 5A
Retirement Redefined: The Superannuation Perspective
Fabian Bussoletti, Technical Manager, SMSF Association
LEGS & REGS: Retirement Redefined: The Superannuation Perspective
Fabian Bussoletti
Technical Manager, SMSF Association
As retirement evolves beyond traditional expectations, more individuals are continuing to work past the conventional retirement age, creating significant shifts in how they interact with the superannuation system. This session will explore the definition of ‘retirement’ under superannuation and taxation laws, with a focus on how these changes influence contributions, access to benefits, and strategic retirement planning.
Join Fabian as he deep dives into the critical elements that define retirement for superannuation purposes, understanding the key criteria that must be met to access superannuation benefits. The session will also address how these definitions impact the preservation of a member’s benefits, their ability to continue contributing to super, and the use of Transition to Retirement Income Streams (TRIS).
Concurrent 5B
The Right Fit: SMSFs vs. Alternative Investment Structures
Phil Brodreick, Principal, Sladen Legal
STRATEGY: The Right Fit: SMSFs vs. Alternative Investment Structures
Phil Brodreick, Principal, Sladen Legal
There is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to investing. Join Phil as he explores the key differences between investing via an SMSF versus investing directly into alternative structures such as unit trusts, companies, partnerships plus others.
This session will examine the benefits and limitations of each approach, focusing on how SMSF investments are shaped by restrictive SIS and tax laws. Attendees will gain insights into identifying opportunities, assessing risks, and understanding how alternative structures can complement an SMSF for wealth creation, tax optimisation, and intergenerational planning.
Concurrent 5C
Advice Evolution: The Future of Financial Advice
Benjamin Marshan, Director, Marshan Consulting
ADVICE, PRACTICE & REGULATORY: Advice Evolution: The Future of Financial Advice
Benjamin Marshan
Director, Marshan Consulting
Join renowned industry expert Ben Marshan as he explores the transformative changes brought about by the Quality of Advice Review, with a particular focus on the upcoming Tranche 2. In this session, Ben will provide insights into the potential impacts on the financial advice profession, including how you can start preparing today for the evolving regulations and how you can reshape the delivery of advice.
This session will equip attendees with the knowledge and strategies needed to stay ahead of regulatory shifts, ensuring they are prepared for the future of financial advice. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage in a forward-looking discussion about the future of quality advice in the financial services profession.
12:35pm - 1:25pm
Lunch BREAK
1:25pm - 2:25pm
Concurrent 6A
Protecting the Vulnerable: Elder Assistance or Abuse?
Rebecca Edwards, Special Counsel, HopgoodGanim Lawyers
LEGS & REGS: Protecting the Vulnerable: Elder Assistance or Abuse?
Rebecca Edwards
Special Counsel, HopgoodGanim Lawyers
SMSF professionals are often placed in a challenging position when family dynamics blur the line between providing genuine assistance and potential elder abuse, particularly when dealing with older clients who may have diminished capacity. This session will focus on the delicate balance of ensuring the elder's best interests while navigating complex family relationships. Attendees will explore strategies for assessing capacity, identifying signs of undue influence or financial abuse, and ensuring that any help provided by family members remains within ethical and legal boundaries. Through real-world case studies, this session will provide practical tools and guidelines to help professionals protect their clients while maintaining compliance with their professional responsibilities.
Concurrent 6B
Winding Up Wisely: Strategies for Exiting an SMSF
Peter Crump, Senior Consultant, BDO
STRATEGY: Winding Up Wisely: Strategies for Exiting an SMSF
Peter Crump, Senior Consultant, BDO
Exiting an SMSF is a critical decision that requires thoughtful planning and having a clear exit strategy is an essential part of setting up an SMSF, as required by ASIC. In this session, Peter will explore some of the strategic factors that determine when and why trustees should consider winding up their SMSF. Peter will also address associated considerations around asset types, tax implications, and alternative investment structures.
Focusing on maximising client outcomes, this session will provide insights into how to time an exit effectively and ensure a seamless transition out of an SMSF. While covering the practical aspects of the wind-up process, Peter’s emphasis will be on strategic decisions that optimise tax efficiencies and align with long-term client goals.
Concurrent 6C
Growing Your SMSF Practice: Strategies for Collaboration and Success
Tony Stephens, Partner, Business Health
ADVICE, REGULATORY & PRACTICE: Growing Your SMSF Practice: Strategies for Collaboration and Success
Tony Stephens, Partner, Business Health
This session is designed to help you build and grow successful SMSF businesses by focusing on collaboration, communication, and innovation. Attendees will explore how advisers and accountants can work together to deepen client engagement, enhance satisfaction, and drive business growth. Additionally, Tony will examine the evolution of SMSF professional services, highlighting how integrating technology and personalisation can deliver greater value to clients while maintaining compliance.
Whether you're an established professional or building your practice, this session will offer valuable insights and strategies for success in the SMSF sector.
2:35pm - 3:35pm
Concurrent 7A
SMSF Rental Properties: Tax, Compliance, Planning Tips and Traps
Daniel Butler, Director, DBA Lawyers
LEGS & REGS: SMSF Rental Properties: Tax, Compliance, Planning Tips and Traps
Daniel Butler, Director, DBA Lawyers
Managing rental properties within an SMSF comes with unique complexities, and even experienced SMSF professionals can face challenges. In this session, we’ll break down the key tax, compliance, and planning considerations when dealing with rental properties in an SMSF, focusing on planning tips, traps and how to spot and avoid them. Using ATO data, we’ll examine why 9 out of 10 tax returns contain errors and explore how SMSF rules make compliance even more complex, particularly when a pension and GST is involved.
Through detailed case studies, Dan will explore issues such as capital versus revenue treatment of property sales, repairs versus improvements, and depreciation rules under Divisions 40 and 43. The session will also cover GST implications, NALI/E risks from trustee involvement, and special rules for vacant land deductions. Attendees will gain practical insights to navigate these complex areas and ensure their SMSF clients with rental properties, remain compliant whilst maximising their tax outcomes and minimising the risk of ATO scrutiny and penalties.
Concurrent 7B
SMSF War Stories from the Death Bed
Kieran Hoare, Principal, Merthyr Law
STRATEGY: SMSF War Stories from the Death Bed
Kieran Hoare, Principal, Merthyr Law
When a client passes, professional advisors are often left to navigate the complexities of their SMSF, but even the best intentions can sometimes lead to unforeseen complications. In this engaging session, Kieran Hoare will explore real-life examples of SMSF planning that went awry and provide practical insights to help you, avoid similar pitfalls.
The session will address the challenges faced when advisors take on the role of executor, including their duty to maximise the estate, navigating remuneration complexities, and managing potential conflicts of interest. It will also examine scenarios where trustees can be held personally liable, shedding light on how these risks can be mitigated. Finally, Kieran will delve into the challenges associated with death bed withdrawals, particularly the implications for Enduring Powers of Attorney and their advisors.
Through careful planning and strategic adjustments, this session aims to equip professionals with the tools to handle these complex situations with confidence, ensuring SMSFs are managed effectively even in the most challenging circumstances.
Concurrent 7C
Supercharging Client Acquisition by Improving Value Perceptions
Genevieve Frost, Senior Distribution Manager, Netwealth
ADVICE, REGULATORY & PRACTICE: Supercharging Client Acquisition by Improving Value Perceptions
Genevieve Frost, Senior Distribution Manager, Netwealth
The concepts of "value perceptions" and "value for money" often lack clarity, making them challenging to translate into meaningful action. Simply acknowledging that a service offers good value rarely compels clients to act—much like the intention to exercise that often falls short of commitment. This hesitation is a common barrier in financial services, where potential clients may see the benefits but fail to take the next step.
Genevieve will reveal cutting-edge behavioural science insights on "value for money," drawing on Netwealth’s latest research into Australian investors. She will provide expert guidance to help you drive meaningful results for your professional services business and leave you with a practical, evidence-based roadmap to reshape client perceptions, address hesitation, and convert prospects into loyal clients.
3:35pm
END OF DAY 2
Please note the National Conference 2025 program is subject to change before the conference in February. Please check the latest schedule times closer to the conference dates.
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.