ASFA Warns: "Hands Off Super"

21 Jan 2016 2:37 PM | Kerrie Green

Taxing superannuation at marginal rates then offering a rebate would be an administrative nightmare and leave too many people worse off, the peak body for super funds says.


The Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA) on Thursday joined the Financial Services Council in warning the government not to raid super to fund changes elsewhere in the tax system.


The groups, which represent super funds, said taxing contributions at marginal rates less a 15 per cent rebate would diminish retirement savings and increase reliance on the age pension for 80 per cent of Australians. ASFA chief executive Pauline Vamos said such a system would require either the ATO to administer rebates or employers to calculate extra withholding tax and remit that to the ATO.


"The administration costs of putting this in place are going to be significant, both on the tax office and on superannuation funds," she said.


"There could also be unintended consequences for members. For example, you could be waiting months to get your rebate, which means you have less in your account and therefore a lot less benefit through compound interest."


"Once you start applying marginal tax you move away from the fundamentals of what the system is about," Ms Vamos said.


"It's about encouraging people to save; you're going without wages today to save for the future. [The FSC] are trying to dissuade the government from going down this path and we agree."


Because their members' businesses depend on it, both the FSC and ASFA want the government to compel workers to put more money into super, not take extra out in tax.


To read the full article please click here. 


This article was originally sourced from The Australian Financial Review here and was written by Joanna Mather. 


Strengthening Trans-Tasman Connections: AuSAE and Tourism New Zealand Business Events Renew Partnership

Association professionals across Australia and New Zealand have even more reason to explore trans-Tasman opportunities. AuSAE is proud to announce the renewal of its longstanding partnership with Tourism New Zealand Business Events, celebrating 11 years of collaboration.

For over a decade, this partnership has strengthened connections between the two countries, helping associations expand networks, share knowledge, and deliver world-class events.

Toni Brearley, CAE, Chief Executive Officer at AuSAE, said:

“Our partnership with Tourism New Zealand Business Events has opened doors for association leaders to plan unforgettable events and connect with peers across the Tasman. Together, we’ve created opportunities, shared knowledge, and elevated the experiences of our members and their delegates. This partnership reinforces our commitment to fostering strong trans-Tasman collaborations, helping associations innovate, grow, and deliver outstanding value to their members.”

Helen Bambry, Business Events Manager at Tourism New Zealand, added:

“Partnering with AuSAE means we can directly support association professionals in bringing their next international business event to New Zealand – offering assistance, funding, and support to ensure exceptional experiences for both organisers and delegates.”

Watch the Tourism New Zealand Business Events video

What this partnership means for you

For Australian associations:

  • Receive expert guidance and support to bring conferences or member events to New Zealand.
  • Access funding assistance through Tourism New Zealand Business Events.
  • Expand your network and build partnerships with New Zealand peers and industry leaders.
  • Deliver international experiences for members and delegates just across the Tasman.

For New Zealand associations:

  • Strengthen professional connections with Australian association leaders through AuSAE’s network.
  • Share expertise and collaborate on professional development, governance, and member engagement initiatives, and more.
  • Gain visibility within the broader association community in Australia and New Zealand.
  • Access opportunities to host international association events and delegates in New Zealand, boosting local engagement and knowledge exchange.

About AuSAE:

The home for association professionals, the Australasian Society of Association Executives (AuSAE) is the leading - and only not-for-profit, member-based - organisation supporting association professionals in Australia and New Zealand. For 70 years, AuSAE has been a trusted partner for those working in associations, providing professional development, support, and networking to help association leaders achieve organisational goals, advance their careers, and strengthen the wider sector.

About Tourism New Zealand Business Events:

Tourism New Zealand Business Events provides expert guidance, funding, and support to attract conferences, incentives and corporate events to New Zealand.

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For more information about AuSAE, please contact Toni Brearley, CAE:
Toni Brearley, CAE
Chief Executive Officer, AuSAE
E: toni@ausae.org.au
T: + 61 458 000 155

To apply for funding and support to host a conference in New Zealand contact Helen Bambry:
Helen Bambry
Business Events Manager, Tourism New Zealand
E: Helen.Bambry@tnz.govt.nz
T: +61 415 933 325


The Australasian Society of Association Executives

Contact us:

Email: info@ausae.org.au
Phone: 1300 764 576 (within Australia)
Phone: +61 7 3268 7955 (outside Australia)
Address: Unit 6, 26 Navigator Place, Hendra QLD 4011, Australia