Cormann calls for action on super complaints

superannuation complaints tribunal assistant treasurer

18 April 2011
| By Chris Kennedy |
image
image
expand image

The average time for complaints at the Superannuation Complaints Tribunal to be resolved has risen to 302 days in the current financial year, undermining confidence in the nation’s superannuation system, according to the Opposition Spokesman for Financial Services, Mathias Cormann (pictured).

This is up from an average of 256 days it took to resolve complaints in 2009-2010 and 235 days in 2008-2009, according to information provided by Assistant Treasurer Bill Shorten in response to a question on notice in the Senate.

The increase comes despite the total number of complaints lodged with the Tribunal falling over the same time period, Cormann stated.

Cormann called on Shorten to fix the delays, as well as the issue with Australians being overtaxed for unintentionally breaching contributions caps.

“Superannuation is the cornerstone of Australia’s retirement income policy. Australians must have timely access to any process to resolve their complaints when problems arise. Otherwise they will lose faith in the system,” he said.

“These delays in getting a decision are impacting on people’s capacity to plan for their retirement. It is time Bill Shorten started to focus on doing the job he’s got rather than spend all his time chasing the job he wants,” Cormann said.

Homepage

Read more about:

AUTHOR

Recommended for you

sub-bgsidebar subscription

Never miss the latest news and developments in wealth management industry

MARKET INSIGHTS

Interesting. Would be good to know the details of the StrategyOne deal....

4 hours ago

It’s astonishing to see the FAAA now pushing for more advisers by courting "career changers" and international recruits,...

2 weeks 5 days ago

increased professionalism within the industry - shouldn't that say, FAR register almost halving in the last 24 months he...

3 weeks 4 days ago

Insignia Financial has made four appointments, including three who have joined from TAL, to lead strategy and innovation in its retirement solutions for the MLC brand....

2 weeks ago

The Reserve Bank of Australia's latest interest rate announcement has left punters disheartened on Melbourne Cup Day....

1 week 6 days ago

The Federal Court has given a verdict on ASIC’s case against Dixon Advisory director Paul Ryan which had alleged he breached his director duties....

1 week 5 days ago