Retirement income framework deferred due to COVID-19

The government’s introduction of the Retirement Income Covenant scheduled to start on 1 July has been deferred to allow continued consultation and legislative drafting to take place following the coronavirus crisis.

In a statement, Assistant Minister for Superannuation, Financial Services and Financial Technology Jane Hume said the deferral will also allow drafting of this measure to be informed by the Retirement Income Review.

The revised date will be determined following further consultation on the Covenant.

Ms Hume said the purpose of the Retirement Income Covenant is to establish an additional obligation for trustees to formulate a retirement income strategy for their members.

“We’ve been working for some time on a Retirement Income Covenant. While efficient accumulation is imperative and we are steadily chipping away at the inefficiencies of that part of the system, we need to build a smoother transition from the accumulation to the de-accumulation phase,” Ms Hume said.

“Of course, there is nothing stopping funds and their trustees from developing retirement income strategies now, and we’d encourage them to do so. Trustees don’t need to wait for us to legislate the Covenant.”

Adrian Flores
25 May 2020
smsfadviser.com

Any advice contained in this website is of a general nature only and does not take into account your circumstances or needs. You must decide if this information is suitable to your personal situation or seek advice.

Rolanda Adams Financial Services have been my financial advisers for over 20 years. I have always found them to be highly intelligent, knowledgeable and professional in what they do. Rolanda Adams Financial Services is accessible at all times and patiently explain terms that I do not fully understand. I can highly recommend Rolanda Adams Financial Services and it is a pleasure to do so. I do this with the utmost confidence. Marcia Montgomery (Retiree – home duties and ex-clerk with Water Board)

I retired Oct 2012, and seeking Financial Advice for my retirement funds, I decided to have Rolanda Adams Financial Services look after my financial affairs, and so happy I did. Since my retirement I am extremely comfortable with Rolanda Adams Financial Services’s advice, experience and strategies and the returns on my investments. Rolanda Adams Financial Services is my "Breath of Fresh Air" at this stage of my life and she makes herself available 24/7 should you need to talk with her. Steve Hoad (Ground Engineer, Qantas)

In 1997 I left Energy Australia and decided to join Rolanda Adams Financial Services for the financial support and advice that I would need into the future. That decision has proved a very good one and I am still with Rolanda Adams Financial Services who have given me advice and friendship over those many years. The advice given has ensured that my investments have been protected and the major loses, of some, during the GFC was not felt by me unduly. Rolanda Adams Financial Services and the team are very easy to contact at any time and one is always received in a most professional manner. I would be most happy to recommend Rolanda Adams Financial Services to all who need financial services. Graham Fleeton (Manager, Property Insurance Group Energy Australia)

Rolanda Adams Financial Services has been my Adviser for the past 18 years. Through their wide industry experience and professional expertise they have ensured the sound development and ongoing management of my investments. Their advice has invariably been sound, timely and entirely tuned to meet my personal needs in retirement. they have a friendly, engaging manner and are always readily available to address any of my concerns. I have no hesitation in recommending Rolanda Adams Financial Services. Neil O'Keeffe (Chief Inspector (retired), Australian Customs Service)