This year, the CMSF agenda is designed to break the content down into three broad approaches – the plenaries will discuss industry, the forums will focus on fund matters, and the concurrent sessions are about developing the individual skills within the funds.
There are a number of highlights from the agenda that delegates may want to pencil into their schedules:
Plenary 1: Are we really a socially inclusive nation?
The opening plenary is a definite must. Former justice of the High Court of Australia, the Hon Michael Kirby, AC CMG, will outline how Australia measures up to other nations with regards to a key issue of our time – social inclusion. Kirby will deliver insights into human rights, marginalised communities and Australia’s ageing population and social policy agenda.
Plenary 2: The Mavis Robertson Plenary: The power of the collective – what’s next for the profit-to-member funds?
The final plenary of the first day is another set to deliver a message keenly relevant today. The power of the collective delivers much to profit-to-member funds, but this panel discussion will focus on profit-to-member values and how they have evolved, the relationship between unions and super funds, and threats and opportunities for the collective.
Forum 2A: No Place Like Home – the fourth pillar in retirement
Given the many conversations around housing affordability unfolding at the moment, this Thursday session will be popular. Leading economist Saul Eslake will discuss the findings from a new report on housing affordability and retirement outcomes.
Forum 3A: Cyber Security – not just an IT problem
Sean Duca, of Palo Alto Networks, has some great insights into cyber-threats – and they’re not just about firewalls. He argues that knowledge and planning around potential cyber-intrusions must be led from the top of the organisation, and everyone in the chain of command, from the board down, must be both aware and empowered to be part of a digital strategy. His session is on Friday morning.
Session 5B: Read all about it! Strategic implications of media concentration for profit-to-member funds
Courtesy of the post-US election world, media coverage has rarely been in the spotlight as much as it is today. This Friday morning session will feature a panel of media experts discussing the issues around media concentration, and what they mean for communicating to Australians.
Plenary 6: Yes Senator
Finally, this afternoon session, on the last day, will give insights into the thinking of state governments around retirement outcomes and what reforms are needed. It should be an insightful way to round out the event.
To read the other stories from our newsletter ahead of the opening of CMSF 2017, click here.
