25 May 2007 
 
Following the Government’s latest raft of Better Super legislation, the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia announces the launch of its Simpler Superannuation web cast, explaining the implications of the most significant super regulation changes in Australia in decades. 
 
The 40-minute web cast offers step-by-step guidance to the new superannuation regime for anyone who manages or contributes to a super fund and covers the implications for individual superannuation contributions, benefits paid to members at retirement, employer contribution strategies and self managed superannuation funds (SMSFs). 
 
The Institute’s Manager, Financial Planning and Superannuation, Hugh Elvy, says the web cast offers a valuable service to members, taxpayers and financial professionals who live in regional Australia. In addition, individuals living in metropolitan areas who have flexible work requirements can access the Institute’s superannuation information at their own convenience, via their computer. 
 
“The portability of the Institute’s web cast is its greatest asset”, Mr Elvy ascertains. “The changes to the superannuation environment inevitably raise questions, so during the transitional period leading up to the introduction of Better Super, this web cast provides chartered accountants, regardless of geographical location, with a source of recent and comprehensive information”. 
 
“There continues to be a demand for such information regarding the super changes,” Mr Elvy added, “ As reflected by the number of members attending the Institute’s Business Forum sessions on superannuation, held nation-wide throughout May”. 
 
Topics covered by the web cast include:

• The rationale behind the legislative changes
• Coping with the transitional period
• Taxing of superannuation funds
• Treatment of contributions
• Benefit payments
• Employer contributions
• Self managed superannuation funds (SMSF) issues
• Simpler superannuation arrangements for retirees
• Improved incentives to work and save; and