Having just completed a merger with Vic Super to create one of Australia’s largest industry funds, First State Super CEO Deanne Stewart discusses conflicts of interest, the difficult job of balancing ESG practices with member interests and the challenges of scale.
There are many possible responses that a super fund could take to a situation like Juukan Gorge, but investment returns appear to have outweighed ESG issues yet again.
Hostplus CIO Sam Sicilia says critics are “simply wrong” about the fund facing a cash flow short-age, and argues the labels growth and defensive have become obsolete to the point of being “nonsensical”.
Superannuation funds are aiming at the wrong goal posts by focusing on short-term performance league tables, says Callidum Investment Research principal consultant Rob Prugue.
Most Australians believe they are ineligible but changes to a Government loan scheme may augment retirement income for many, says Rice Warner chief Andrew Boal.