Big super reckoning: Are Australians losing faith in the system?
Dec 4, 2024
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In this conversation, James Thomson, a Chanticleer columnist for The Australian Financial Review, teams up with reporter Hannah Wootton to dissect the turmoil in Australia’s superannuation sector. They explore the significant lawsuit against Cbus for insurance claim delays, questioning accountability and customer trust. With super funds facing a governance crisis, they discuss the emotional toll on Australians due to poor claims handling. The duo also examines the urgent need for enhanced customer service and governance reform to restore faith in the system.
The ongoing lawsuit against Cbus highlights significant governance issues in the superannuation industry, raising concerns over customer service and claims processing.
As the superannuation sector evolves, there is an urgent need for reforms in governance structures to include diverse expertise and perspectives.
Deep dives
Escalating Scrutiny of Major Superannuation Funds
Major superannuation funds in Australia, after years of guaranteed inflows and minimal oversight, are facing increasing scrutiny due to rising customer complaints and significant governance issues. A landmark legal case against CBUS highlights concerns about the timely processing of insurance claims, with allegations of over $20 million owed to bereaved or disabled members. Reports indicate that CBUS, which manages about $94 billion and has nearly a million members, has struggled with the administration of claims due to inadequacies in its third-party administrator. This has drawn attention to broader issues in the superannuation industry, revealing systemic failings in customer service that extend beyond just one fund.
Concerns Over Governance and Board Composition
The governance model of industry super funds, particularly regarding how directors are appointed, has come under scrutiny, especially in the case of CBUS. The equal representation model allows unions and employer groups to nominate board members, but critics argue it may restrict the variety of expertise essential for effective governance during the upcoming shift to a retirement-focused phase. Recent appointments to the CBUS board have predominantly favored union officials, raising questions about their qualifications in areas like retirement solutions. As the superannuation landscape evolves, there is a pressing need for these funds to adapt their governance structures to include individuals with relevant experience and diverse perspectives.
Implications for the Future of Superannuation
The ongoing issues within major superannuation funds suggest a potential inflection point for the industry, bringing to light the need for significant reforms. With a burgeoning population of retirees and increasing demands on customer service, there must be a shift in focus from merely accumulating assets to ensuring the efficient management of funds and claims processing. Regulatory agencies like ASIC and APRA are intensifying their oversight, signaling that change may not just be desired but necessary for the sustainability of superannuation. To avert a decline in public confidence akin to that seen in the banking sector, super funds must proactively address these challenges and align their services with the expectations of their members.
This week on The Fin podcast, Chanticleer columnist James Thomson and reporter Hannah Wootton on why ASIC is suing Cbus, what it means for industry funds and whether the ‘super wars’ are back.
Further reading: How Cbus’ big party year went horribly wrong It’s not the biggest or the worst performing of the super funds. So why has Cbus become the poster child for the $4 trillion sector’s problems? Big Super’s reckoning has arrived After 32 years of guaranteed inflows from workers and scant scrutiny, the $3.9 trillion industry faces customer fury over service, unclear investment practices and questionable governance. Super sector’s problems are much bigger than Cbus The damning review of governance at CBUS shows while industry funds have led the way in gathering and growing assets, they now need to play governance catch-up.