As Australia’s population ages, and the cost-of-living squeeze puts ever-increasing pressure on household budgets, the performance of superannuation savings can have a profound impact on the quality of life that each of us is able to enjoy for decades into retirement.
To maintain this high performance for its members, AustralianSuper invests heavily in “real assets,” that is, physical, tangible assets, such as real estate, natural resources, commodities, and natural resources.
However, when the value and performance of an investment relies on the value and upkeep of a physical asset, it becomes absolutely imperative that that asset is maintained and even improved to the highest standard.
I believe the facilities management industry plays a crucial role in enhancing and preserving the value of real assets.
This is why I was so pleased to represent AustralianSuper at the recent 2024 Facilities Management Industry Awards gala dinner in the Grand Hyatt, Melbourne, taking the opportunity to honour the hard work and dedication of the individuals, teams and companies who maintain these assets.
This important work is helping to protect the retirement income of millions of hard-working Australians. After all, AustralianSuper has 3.4 million members, and their superannuation investments contribute capital for significant development and maintenance of assets, ultimately bolstering the Australian economy.
The growth in the value of property assets not only benefits the community but also serves the interests of property managers and investors. Over the previous 12 months to 30th June, 2024 AustralianSuper delivered a return of 8.46 percent in the balanced investment option.
Insights for AustralianSuper 2025
During the FM Industry Awards, I also had the opportunity to share some insights into AustralianSuper’s investment focus for FY25. This includes:
Strengthening our team’s International Equities and Cash Portfolio Management to manage more assets-internally
Building our private equity team to manage investment resources more effectively, and achieve higher returns
Continuing to grow our internal mid risk teams in New York and London to support international and investments
Sustainability will remain a top priority as it enhances efficiency and aligns with regulatory, community, and member expectations
AustralianSuper is proud to collaborate with the Facilities Management Association in supporting events and activities that bring value to its members.
We are privileged to collaborate with the FMA’s CEO Nic Burt and other Employer Groups and Unions on the Vulnerable Members Advisory Council. This initiative aims to identify, develop, and inform AustralianSuper management on initiatives and considerations for vulnerable members, ensuring better member outcomes.
The Advisory Council provides feedback and guidance on the Fund's approach to unpaid superannuation, and facilitates education and engagement opportunities for AustralianSuper in relevant industries or cohorts.
I am also proud to share that AustralianSuper is committed to removing the barriers of financial inclusion that face some of its Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members, to better understand and access their super.
We offer a range of support services, including a dedicated phone line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members who can speak to a specialist colleague with cultural training, and an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander interpreter service. Members can book an appointment with the fund and an interpreter in one of many First nations languages a six part radio series called Australian Super Made Easy, in English and Western Arrernte which is available to download
Moreover, during the previous 12 months AustralianSuper has insourced its management-of-death claims through a new dedicated Bereavement Centre, so members beneficiaries receive the support, empathy and compassion they expect and deserve at these difficult times.