The SMSF Association is pleased to announce board director Mr Andrew Gale is the incoming chairman for the next two years. Mr Robin Bowerman will be the new deputy chair.
Mr Gale succeeds Mr Peter Crump who has served in the position for the past two years and will remain on the board.
Mr Gale, who assumes the position at the Association’s National Conference now being held in Adelaide, says it’s a privilege to be becoming chair of the Association and a high-performing board for which I must acknowledge the significant role my predecessor, Peter Crump, has played.
“We are fortunate that he is remaining a director and the Association will continue to benefit from his wise counsel.”
Mr Crump says it’s been an honour to serve as chairman. “It has been a rewarding time to be involved in initiatives such as the 2020 Vision strategy, our name change, which has certainly led to far greater public awareness of the Association, and the move to more fully represent trustees.
“It’s our vision to allow Australians to take greater control of their own destiny though a sustainable SMSF community.”
Mr Gale says: “As the incoming chairman, I am committed to build on the Association’s past achievements to pursue our objectives outlined in the 2016-2020 Strategic Plan. This includes:
o Remaining the undisputed representative organisation for advocacy and public policy for the SMSF sector;
o Supporting thought leadership, integrity and understanding of the SMSF sector;
o Be known as the ‘voice’ for professionals and trustees in the SMSF sector;
o Via a co-regulatory model, be a key player to ensure high professional standards for trustees and professional members with ‘SMSF advice’ recognised as a profession.”
Mr Gale says the strong operating effectiveness and high standards in the SMSF sector have been validated in the findings of various Government reviews of financial services and superannuation, such as Murray and Cooper.
“In my opinion the Association, with its ongoing focus and commitment to high professional standards and integrity of the SMSF sector, has played a significant role in ensuring this outcome.
“We will continue to stress the importance of a sustainable superannuation and retirement incomes sector that addresses adequacy and equity issues, encourages self-provision (to relieve pressure on future social security demands) and fulfils the core goal of providing for retirement incomes.
“The broad Government thrust for high professional standards will continue to get the Association’s strong support while noting there are important implementation arrangements to be resolved.
“These professional standards are the bedrock on which the SMSF sector can continue to flourish.
“By insisting on tight controls, accrediting and educating advisors and providing accurate and appropriate to trustees, is, we believe, the best way to ensure the SMSFs continue to provide their promised benefits.”
“It’s worth noting that the SMSF sector is increasingly becoming one of the superannuation vehicles of choice for Middle Australia and not just people with high incomes or account balances.”
