Super news integrity Investing with - First State Super

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Super news integrity Investing with - First State Super
supernews
Autumn 2019

                                   Investing with
                                         integrity
                                             Why corporate
                                                  governance
                                                          matters

   Read SuperNews online at firststatesuper.com.au/supernews
Super news integrity Investing with - First State Super
From the
                                                                                                                                                       CEO
                                   What’s INSIDE
                                                                   This is my first SuperNews as CEO
                                                                   and I am thrilled to be here.

                              6
                                   From the CEO               3     For years I have observed First State         Secondly, there is a synergy between
     Investing                                                      Super from afar and thought, ‘Now             my own family and the members of First
                                                                    that’s an organisation I’d like to work       State Super. Both my parents were teachers,
     with integrity                Investing with integrity   6
                                                                    for!’. It is no exaggeration when I say,      I have a sister who is a physiotherapist and
                                                                    this is my dream job. And there are           members of my extended family are police
     Why corporate                 We’ve reduced our fees     10    several reasons why.                          officers and nurses. Like my family – and the
     governance matters                                                                                           members we serve – helping people build a
                                   Our fees made easy         12    Firstly, this is a great fund for our
                                                                    members. The fund has a track record          better future is such a worthy purpose and
                                                                    of competitive investment returns,            one I want to continue as CEO.
                                   Get your super out of
                                                              14    we try to keep fees as low as                              And finally, there is the huge
                                   the slow lane                    possible, the insurance                                       opportunity in front of us.
     We launched our own                                            benefits are well-priced and                                    When I think about
                                   Our #waronwaste            16                                               As a
                    #waronwaste                                     we have Australia’s largest
                                                                                                       profit-for-member
                                                                                                                                     the changes occurring

                              16
                                                                    member-owned financial                                            in superannuation –
                    and won        Investment update          18    planning business.                 fund we answer to
                                                                                                        our members,       not
                                                                                                                                      whether as a result of
                                                                                                                                      the findings of the Royal
                                                                    I am also impressed by
                                   Investing in the future    20                                                                      Commission into Banking
                                                                    First State Super taking the          shareholders.              and Superannuation, a
                                                                    lead in socially responsible
                                   5 questions with our CIO   22    investing. We were one of the                                  rapidly  ageing population or
                                                                    first funds to introduce socially                            advances    in technology – this
                                   Important changes                                                                        industry  will look   vastly different
     5 questions                   to super                   24    responsible investment options and
                                                                    environmental, social and governance         in  five years’
                                                                                                                 challenges
                                                                                                                                 time.
                                                                                                                               head  on
                                                                                                                                       I’m
                                                                                                                                         and
                                                                                                                                            eager
                                                                                                                                               I
                                                                                                                                                   to face these
                                                                                                                                                 believe  that
                                                                    (ESG) considerations are a vital part of
     with our CIO                  Simple steps to combine
                                                              25                                                 First  State Super  is well-placed    to  help

    22
                                                                    our investment decision-making.
                                   and save                                                                      members with these changes.
                                                                    As a profit-for-member fund, we answer
                                                                    to our members, not shareholders. It is      I look forward to leading an organisation that
                                                                    clear to me that members are truly at        has such strong values and a ‘member-first’
                                                                    the heart of everything we do.               culture, where our members truly benefit.

2   SuperNews | Autumn 2019                                                                            firststatesuper.com.au | 1300 650 873 | enquiries@firststatesuper.com.au   3
Super news integrity Investing with - First State Super
What’s important
                                                                          to me
                                                     At work                                    At play
                                                     Courage                                    Wellbeing
                                                     Courage is being bold and                  Looking after your wellbeing
                                                     willing to lead – taking a stand on        helps you to be your best self.
                                                     important issues. Courage is also          Sleep and exercise are crucial
                                                     showing humility and asking for            components to this. I need a full
                                                     help when you need it, being able          night’s rest and try to exercise
                                                     to delegate to other experts in the        at least three times a week with
                                                     business to provide the answers.           Zumba, running and swimming.

                                                     Leadership
                                                     Being a good leader is having
                                                     what I call ‘human-centred’                Family
                                                     leadership, which is about                 As a parent, I consciously
                                                     building connections and                   make time to be there for my
                                                     relationships to achieve success.          husband and my children, their
                                                     A good leader can build trust              school and the community by
                                                     by actively listening and                  balancing work and home
                                                     remembering there is always                responsibilities.
                                                     a place for compassion and
                                                     empathy in the workplace.

                                  I look forward     Vision
                              to leading an          Vision is being clear about                Travel
                              organisation           who we are, what we’re trying
                                                     to achieve and how we will
                                                                                                Having had the wonderful
                                                                                                opportunity to live and work
                              where members          get there. A clear vision helps            internationally for many years,
                              come first.            us maintain focus on our
                                                     fundamental purpose, which
                                                                                                I certainly love travel. Seeing and
                                                                                                experiencing different places and
                              Deanne Stewart, CEO    is being there to support                  cultures is not only exciting, but
                                                     and improve outcomes for our               it broadens your perspectives
                                                     760,000 members.                           and priorities.

4   SuperNews | Autumn 2019                                                firststatesuper.com.au | 1300 650 873 | enquiries@firststatesuper.com.au   5
Super news integrity Investing with - First State Super
Why corporate governance matters
                                                                  You may not know this, but corporate governance plays a crucial
                                                                  role in providing the best investments for our members. Read on
                                                                  to discover about our commitment to good governance in the
                                                                  companies we invest in – for you and the community as a whole.

                                                                  Understanding the ‘G’ in ‘ESG’                  Being a big fund comes with
                                                                  ESG stands for ‘environmental,                  a big responsibility
                                                                  social and governance’ and refers               With a $90 billion investment
                                                                  to the assessment of a company’s                footprint, we are one of the world’s
                                                                  behaviour beyond purely financial               largest 100 pension funds. This
                                                                  considerations.                                 means we are ‘universal owners’ and
                                                                  The ‘governance’ part relates to the            own a slice of the whole economy
                                                                  framework for the management                    and market through our portfolios.
                                                                  of the company by the board of                  So we’re very mindful of the impact
                                                                  directors, managers, shareholders               our investments have, now and in
                                                                  and other stakeholders.                         the future.

                                                                  As three central factors relating               Knowing the difference our choices
                                                                                                                  make, we take the corporate

    Investing with
                                                                  to corporate responsibility and
                                                                  sustainability, ESG is not only                 governance of the companies we
                                                                  essential in making sure companies              invest in very seriously. We even
                                                                  are doing the right thing, but can also         have a dedicated Responsible

    integrity
                                                                  determine their long-term success               Investments team, which analyses
                                                                  and share value.                                and acts on ESG issues.
                                  Our purpose is to
                              put members first, and              In other words, as well as having
                              everything we do and every          positive social and environmental
                                                                  outcomes, good corporate
                              decision we make is going
                                                                  governance is also key to achieving
                              to impact a member and              strong business results, including
                              their retirement savings.           long-term financial performance. And
                              Liza McDonald,                      that, in turn, delivers better returns to
                              Head of Responsible Investment      investors.

6   SuperNews | Autumn 2019                                                                firststatesuper.com.au | 1300 650 873 | enquiries@firststatesuper.com.au   7
Super news integrity Investing with - First State Super
Good corporate governance                                                                        Our commitment to
    in action                                                                                        good corporate governance                                          Corporate governance
    As stewards of our members’ retirement                                                                                                                              is the framework for a company’s
    savings, our commitment to good corporate                                                        Good corporate governance helps foster sustainable                 management by its directors,
                                                                                                     growth and success of companies, which means                       managers, shareholders
    governance doesn’t just mean looking at
                                                                                                     profits to shareholders – you, our members.                        and stakeholders.
    a company’s philosophy and behaviour. It
    means actively engaging with companies
                                                                                                                                  Through active ownership we vote to hold companies to
    to influence the decisions they make and                                                                   Active                                                                                       VOTE
                                                                                                                                  account on their governance. Then through constructive
    keeping them accountable.                                                                                ownership            dialogue we maintain engagement, with the aim of helping
                                                                                                                                  them better manage ESG risks and encouraging disclosure.

                                                                                                                  Encouraging good governance
       Here are some of the things we aim to promote in the companies we invest in:                  Voting       Our active ownership approach includes voting at company AGMs and engaging directly with boards.

                                                                                                     2017

                                                                                                                                                                   2018
                                                                                                                  Number of                                                     Number of
                                                                                                                  meetings            1,168                                     meetings            1,180

         The independence,          Transparency of      A clear and aligned     A competitive
               integrity,        operations and strong    corporate vision,    advantage through                  Number of                                                     Number of
            accountability,        risk management          purpose and           innovation,                     resolutions         13,808                                    resolutions        13,345
             performance,          to ensure boards            strategy        management skills
          remuneration and          make decisions                             and organisational                 Number of                                                     Number of
        diversity of the board     in members’ best                                resilience                     remuneration          30                                      remuneration          56
           of directors and             interests                                                                 reports we                                                    reports we
              executives                                                                                          voted against                                                 voted against

                                                                                                     Engagement
    There are also many ways we encourage good corporate governance, including:
                                                                                                              Corporate                             Board                                   Board
        Voting at company                 Engaging our                   Working with specialist              culture                               diversity                               independence
        Annual General Meetings           investment managers,           organisations and              We encourage best                    We aim to lift the number of            We advocate independent
                                                                                                        practice codes of conduct            female directors, where there is        board members to build trust
        (AGMs) on issues such as          companies and policy           engagement firms,              and whistleblowing systems.          poor gender representation.             and risk management.
        executive remuneration,           makers to make positive        including the Australian
        director elections, capital       changes, minimise risk         Council of Superannuation
        raisings and shareholder          and manage outcomes            Investors, to address
                                                                                                     Through our collaborative initiatives
        proposals relating to                                            ESG issues and ensure                 We targeted gender diversity in thirteen       We helped improve reporting and practices in fresh
                                                                                                               companies and eleven appointed their           food consumer goods supply chains at six companies
        environmental and                                                companies are focused
                                                                                                               first female director in 2017.                 throughout 2018.
        social issues                                                    on long-term benefits to
                                                                         investors                                                    We introduced the Modern Slavery Bill to Parliament
                                                                                                                                      to prevent slave labour in companies’ supply chains.

                                                                                                     Good corporate governance starts at home.
            Read more on responsible investing at firststatesuper/responsiblesuper                   For more about our own approach, go to firststatesuper.com.au/governance

8   SuperNews | Autumn 2019                                                                                                                    firststatesuper.com.au | 1300 650 873 | enquiries@firststatesuper.com.au   9
Super news integrity Investing with - First State Super
We’ve reduced our                                                                      The good news
                                                                                            is, less on fees

                                                  FEES
     We recently reviewed our pricing to see if we could
                                                                                            means more
                                                                                            for you.

     provide more value for our members. The good news is
     we’ve reduced some fees as a result, which means more
     money for you.

     We work hard to keep our fees as competitive as we can.
     If you’re a super member                     And the annual asset-based
     From 1 October 2018, we removed:             administration fee is now capped at
                                                  $750 per year.
     55 all switching fees, so you no
         longer pay $25 for each additional       If you’re an income
         investment switch you make in a          stream member
         financial year
                                                  If you have a retirement or transition
     55 the $36 exit fee, so you aren’t           to retirement income stream, from
         charged to make a withdrawal or roll     1 October 2018, you no longer pay $25
         over your money                          for each additional investment switch
     55 the No TFN tax recovery fee, if you       you make during the year, or a $36 exit
         provide your TFN after your account      fee when you make a withdrawal or
         is opened.                               close your account.

         How do our fees measure up?
         Trying to work out what different super funds charge can be tricky. Independent
         research company Chant West allows you to compare key features, including
         fees, of over 200 different funds on an ‘apples with apples’ basis, using their
         AppleCheck comparison tool.
               Compare us at firststatesuper.com.au/compare

10   SuperNews | Autumn 2019                                                                              firststatesuper.com.au | 1300 650 873 | enquiries@firststatesuper.com.au   11
Super news integrity Investing with - First State Super
Our fees made easy                                                                        All members pay the following fees:

                     Fees can eat into your overall super balance, so it’s                     1     Administration fees                         2       Investment fees
                   important to understand what you’re paying, and why.
               It can be confusing, but here are a few pointers that will help.                You pay $1 per week ($52 a year)                  Annual investment fees for year
                                                                                                                                                 ended 30 June 2018 start at 0.05%.
                                                                                                                 +                               Investment fees for our most popular
                                                                                                                                                 investment options are:
                            As a profit-for-member fund we don’t answer to                     An asset-based administration fee of
                         shareholders, or pay commissions to financial advisers.               0.15% of your account balance                     Growth 0.80%
                          We try to keep our fees and costs as low as possible.                (to a maximum of $750) to cover                   Balanced Growth 0.76%
                                                                                               the costs of administering the fund,
                                                                                               such as:                                                over the costs associated with
                                                                                                                                                      C
                               A recent review of our fees                                                                                            the purchase, sale and ongoing
                                means you no longer pay:                                           Processing contributions
                                                                                                    and withdrawals
                                                                                                                                                      management of your investments
                                                                                                                                                      Is an estimated % depending
                                                                                                   Updating account records                           on your investment option
                                                                                                                                                      Can vary from year to year
                                                                                                   Issuing annual statements
                                                                                                    and member correspondence                         Some investments are more
                                                                                                                                                       expensive to manage than others
                                                                                                   Other member support services
                                                                                                                                                 Investment fees are INDIRECT FEES
                                                                                               Administration fees are DIRECT FEES               and appear on your annual statement
              Switching fees              Exit fees when you         TFN recovery fees for
                                                                                               and appear on your annual statement               as ‘Other fees of your investment’.
               if you change               leave or withdraw         providing your Tax File
                                                                                               as ‘direct fees’. They are deducted               They are not deducted from your
            investment option            money from the fund         Number after opening
                                                                                               from your account balance.                        account balance, but form part of
                                                                         your account
                                                                                                                                                 the unit price calculation.

                 While fees matter, it’s important to look at                                   There are also Activity Fees, which are direct fees.
                         the net return you receive.                                                 You only pay for these if you use them.

                                =                              –
                 Your
             investment                      Investment                      Fees and                    Advice fees are charged                         amily law fees are for information
                                                                                                                                                        F
                return                         returns                         taxes                     for comprehensive                              provided under the Family Law Act,
                                                                                                         financial advice.                              e.g. property settlement.

                    You should also consider the member services available to you.

                   Don’t take it from us – decide for yourself!                                                         What about insurance?
                                                                                                              You may have insurance as part of your super account. Insurance
                                                                                                            premiums are not classified as fees, but also come out of your super
                    See how our fees compare with 200+ funds using Chant                                       balance. They are calculated based on cover, age and employer
                    West’s AppleCheck at firststatesuper.com.au/compare                                                       category rating for your industry.
                                                                                                                     You can change your cover or opt out at any time.

12   SuperNews | Autumn 2019                                                                                                    firststatesuper.com.au | 1300 650 873 | enquiries@firststatesuper.com.au   13
Super news integrity Investing with - First State Super
Choose a super top-up strategy that works for you
                                                                                                                             Salary sacrifice

                                                                                                          Taxed at         You may opt to pay some of your before-tax salary into super.

                                                                                                       15%                 55 Tax effective if your marginal tax rate is over 15%2
                                                                                                                      2

                                                                                                                                                                                                            BEFORE-TAX
                                                                                                                           55 Capped at $25,000 for the 2018/2019 financial year

                     Get your super                                                                                              ownload and complete the Contribution by
                                                                                                                                D
                                                                                                                                payroll deduction form from our website and give it to
                                                                                                                                your employer

                   out of the slow lane                                                                                     Personal contributions
               For most of us, our employers typically contribute 9.5%                                                    Make your surplus cash work harder.
                                                                                                         Earnings
             of our salary to super. But will that put you on the fast track                             taxed at
                                                                                                                          55 Your earnings are taxed at a maximum of 15% versus
                                                                                                                               up to 45% on savings outside super
                to a comfortable, enjoyable life once you stop working?                                15% or less
                                                                                                                          55 Capped at $100,000 for the 2018/2019 financial year
                                                                                                                               or $300,000 over 3 years
                                                                                                                               Use BPAY to make a contribution. Log in to find your
               Female            Consider the possibilities                                                                    Customer Reference Number or check your statement
             born in 2017                                                           Male
              84.6                     You may live to be 100 or more.           born in 2017            Earn up to         Government co-contributions
               years             The average life expectancy of Australians is
                                increasing every year, so how you spend your
                                                                                 80.5                    50c               You could get rewarded for your after-tax contributions.
                                                                                   years
                               retirement years depends on what you do now.                             for every $1       55 If you earn less than $52,697 before-tax
                                                                                                        contributed        55 Up to $500 government co-contribution

                                                                                                                                                                                                            AFTER-TAX
                                                                                                                               Find out more at firststatesuper.com.au/government
                                            And the facts
                                                                                                                            Downsizer contributions
                       1                              2                            3                       Up to          If you’re over 65 you can put money from the sale of a
             Super earnings get              The earlier you start      There are lots of smart       $600k               primary residence into super.
                                                                                                                          55 Maximum of $300,000 or $600,000 for couples
            special tax treatment           contributing to super,        ways to make extra          super boost
            allowing you to grow              the more it will be        contributions, even            per couple        55 Does not count towards your contribution cap
             your savings faster            worth in years to come        when retirement is                                    ownload our fact sheet Making downsizer contributions
                                                                                                                               D
                                                                        just around the corner                                 from firststatesuper.com.au/factsheets

           There are rules around whether you can contribute and how much                                                   Spouse contributions
             you can put in. Make sure you check out our website and fact                             Boost your          55 To make up for career breaks, or if one of you earns
                sheets to see if you are eligible and for all the details1.                            partner’s             less than the other, you may want your spouse to
                                                                                                        super                contribute to your super, or vice versa
                                                                                                                          55 You may receive a tax offset
                                                                                                                               Learn how at firststatesuper.com.au/spouse

                                                                                                  1F
                                                                                                     or details read our fact sheets: Adding to your super, About salary sacrifice and Making downsizer
              There is no charge for talking to one of our super advisers over the phone.           contributions or visit firststatesuper.com.au/makecontributions
              Call 1300 650 873 or visit firststatesuper.com.au/advice to feel future ready.      2 Additional tax may apply if you are a high-income earner, you don’t provide your TFN or you exceed the cap.

14   SuperNews | Autumn 2019                                                                                                                firststatesuper.com.au | 1300 650 873 | enquiries@firststatesuper.com.au     15
Super news integrity Investing with - First State Super
We launched our own                             Everyone who signed up for the challenge
                                                                               pledged to undertake a sustainable action

                               #waronwaste
                                                                               and commit to it for at least six weeks.
                                                                               Actions included ditching disposable
                                                                               cups, avoiding plastic packaging,

                                     and won
                                                                               reducing food waste and reducing
                                                                               energy consumption.                                 First State Super’s project involved
                                                                               We made 366 pledges and 220                          the biggest effort on engagement
                                                                               keep-cups were distributed to staff.                  we’ve seen in this category. The
                                                                                                                                  project demonstrates the benefit of
                                      Last year, our Sustainability            The challenge was part of our broader
                                                                                                                                  involving all stakeholders in striving
                                                                               commitment to CitySwitch, a program
                                      Council launched its first               run collaboratively by city councils that
                                                                                                                                            for positive change.
                                      War on Waste challenge                   helps office-based businesses improve                      CitySwitch awards judging panel
                                                                               their energy and waste efficiency.
                                      to educate staff about
                                      sustainability and encourage             The numbers speak for themselves
                                      them to reduce office waste.             55 10,433 kilogram reduction in CO2               Not only are the numbers impressive,
                                                                                  emissions, which is the same as                they also helped us win the CitySwitch
                                                                                  running an average house for about             2018 National Signatory of the Year
                                                                                  80% of the year                                award, recognising our achievements in
                                                                               55 41% reduction in disposable                    employee engagement to minimise waste
                                                                                  coffee cup waste                               in the workplace!

                                                                               55 136 employees completed the online             The annual CitySwitch Awards recognise

                                        Stepping up                               sustainability training
                                                                               55 141 sustainability peer to peer
                                                                                                                                 organisations that reduce energy use and
                                                                                                                                 carbon emissions, and prevent waste from
                                        our war on waste                          reward cards were sent, recognising
                                                                                  sustainable action
                                                                                                                                 going into landfill.

                                        We believe our individual actions
                                        add up and make a difference, so
                                        this year we are running another          It only takes a minute to help the environment by registering to receive your
                                        initiative, Rethink the print, aimed      annual statement online.
                                        at reducing our paper usage and                 Log in to your account or give us a call to update your
                                        printing footprint.                             communication preferences

16   SuperNews | Autumn 2019                                                                                       firststatesuper.com.au | 1300 650 873 | enquiries@firststatesuper.com.au   17
Super news integrity Investing with - First State Super
INVESTMENT UPDATE
     Share markets fall
     as volatility takes its toll
     Share market volatility gradually increased over the second half of
     2018 with notable spikes during October and December.
     International share markets      2008, central banks injected   Volatility can also increase      US-China trade relations       Australian dollar acted                        Despite concerns
     fell around 10% over this        liquidity into the financial   due to uncertainty. Trade         could produce further          as a shock absorber by                           about volatility,
     period, posting negative         system and lowered interest    policy tensions between           volatility in 2019.            dampening the impact of
     returns during October and       rates to near zero – in some   the US and China have                                            negative returns.                               global economic
                                                                                                       The Australian economy
     December. Emerging markets       cases below zero – to boost    increased uncertainty about       expanded more than 3%          Despite concerns about                           growth remains
     lagged developed markets.        economic activity.             global economic growth            in the September quarter.      volatility, global economic                     positive, and the
     Defensive sectors such as
                                      Ten years on, with the global should the two countries           Employment continues to        growth remains positive, and                      expansion that
     Utilities and Health Care
                                      economy growing at a healthy fail to reach a constructive        rise at a healthy pace, wage   the expansion that began in                   began in mid-2016
     outperformed, while Energy                                      agreement.                        growth is slow but steady,     mid-2016 remains intact. The
                                      pace, central banks began                                                                                                                         remains intact.
     underperformed due to                                           The abrupt decline in oil         and household spending         pace of economic growth
                                      gradually reversing their
     lower oil prices.                                               prices during October and         remains stable. The housing    has slowed from its peak in
                                      crisis-era actions by slowly
     Domestic shares fell around                                     November also added to            market continues to cool,      mid-2017 as the boost from
                                      reducing the extraordinary
     8% over the period. The                                         market volatility. While          particularly in Sydney, and    US tax reforms fades.
                                      levels of liquidity they had
     Consumer Discretionary                                          the decline lowered fuel          housing credit growth has      Looking ahead, it is likely
                                      injected into the financial
     sector lagged as the                                                                              moderated.                     that share markets will
                                      system. At the same time,      costs, it also affected the
     combination of slow income       they began raising interest    profit outlook for energy         The Australian dollar          continue to have spikes in
     growth, high household debt                                     companies, prompting a fall       weakened over the period,      volatility and periods of
                                      rates to more normal levels.
     levels and a cooling housing                                                                      although with around           falling prices. A key factor
                                      Some of the recent volatility in their share prices.
     sector raised concerns about                                                                      half our international         will be how governments
                                      is due to financial markets    Recently, central banks have
     consumer spending.                                                                                shareholdings ‘unhedged’       respond to any moderation
                                      adjusting to the new reality   indicated that to minimise
                                                                                                       (exposed to currency           in economic activity.
     One cause of the higher          of less supportive monetary    adverse market reactions,
                                                                                                       movements), the falling
     volatility has been the          policy and higher interest     further reversals of crisis-era
     gradual change in central        rates. This is typically a     policies will proceed at a
     bank behaviour. Following        challenging environment for slower pace. However, the                 For regular market updates, subscribe to our monthly
                                                                                                            investment update at firststatesuper.com.au/marketupdate
     the global financial crisis in   riskier assets such as shares. ongoing uncertainty around

18   SuperNews | Autumn 2019                                                                                                              firststatesuper.com.au | 1300 650 873 | enquiries@firststatesuper.com.au   19
Our mission is to
                                                                                                connect everything.
                                                                                                Low-cost connectivity
                                                                                                is a massive enabler.
                                                                                                You need to unlock

               Investing in the future                                                          this market to unlock
                                                                                                everything else.
                                                                                                Flavia Tata Nardini,
               As a First State Super member, your super is invested in                         Chief Executive and Co-founder,
               companies that are breaking new ground.                                          Fleet Space.

               A small but growing part of our investment portfolio is being used to fund
               start-up businesses developing unique products or services with global
               growth potential.
               We’ve partnered with venture capital funds like Blackbird Ventures to help us
               identify promising opportunities such as See-Mode Technologies and Fleet
               Space, two companies revolutionising their respective industries.
                                                                                                                                                     Fleet Space
                                                                                                                                                     Based in Adelaide, Fleet Space are
                                                                                                                                                     experts in remote connectivity
                                                                                               See-Mode Technologies                                 systems, providing the internet to
                                                                                               See-Mode Technologies is an                           companies and industries located
                                                                                               early stage software company                          in hard-to-reach places. Access is
                                                                                               using advanced technology to                          provided through a network of micro
                                                                                               improve the outlook for stroke                        or nano-satellites and the service is
                                                                                               victims by reducing the likelihood                    used primarily for industrial work in
                                                                                                                            See-Mode
                                                                                               of repeated strokes.    See-Mode
                                                                                                                Technologies   is a very
                                                                                                                                                     the mining, oil and gas, agriculture,
                                                                                               uses artificial intelligence
                                                                                                                  early stageand
                                                                                                                              software               transport and logistics industries.
                                                                                               computer modelling company
                                                                                                                       to analyse  using             Fleet Space has recently transmitted
                                                                                               medical images,     which helps
                                                                                                                 advanced  technology                data from sensors on the Great
                                                                                                              to improve
                                                                                               neurologists improve        thethey
                                                                                                                         how    outlook
                     If the solution that we make helps                                                                                              Barrier Reef that monitor the level
                                                                                                                    for stroke
                                                                                               assess the risks faced           victims.
                                                                                                                         by stroke                   of bleaching directly to marine
                  to save one person, I would be happy.                                        patients and recommend a                              biologists’ phones and desktop
                  Dr Sadaf Monajemi, pictured with Dr Milad                                    tailored course of treatment to                       computers. Previously, biologists had
                  Mohammadzadeh, Co-founders and Directors                                     prevent future strokes.
                  of See-Mode Technologies.                                                                                                          to travel to the sensors every week.

                       For more information on the projects we are invested
                       in, visit firststatesuper.com.au/projects

20   SuperNews | Autumn 2019                                                                                                      firststatesuper.com.au | 1300 650 873 | enquiries@firststatesuper.com.au   21
questions
                                 with Damian Graham,
                                 Chief Investment Officer

     We ask about investing       1     What are some of the biggest
                                                                                    3         What makes First State Super             As long-term investors,
                                        challenges
                                                  you face right now?                       different
                                                                                                       as an investor?             our responsibility is to
     and the road ahead          We’re in a challenging market environment,        It’s a combination of things – our               deliver competitive
                                 with rising US interest rates and ongoing         underlying investment philosophy,
                                 trade tensions between the US and China           the size and strength of our team, the
                                                                                                                                    long-term returns to
                                 causing a spike in volatility over recent         opportunities presented by our scale and         members. It’s important
                                 months. Domestically, the Hayne Royal             the relationships we have with external          we don’t get distracted by
                                 Commission and the cooling housing market         consultants and advisers. At the core of
                                 have also been weighing on the Australian                                                          short-term ‘noise’.
                                                                                   our investment philosophy is a belief
                                 share market.                                     that asset allocation (the mix of assets
                                                                                   such shares, property, fixed interest and                 As we head into 2019, what are
                                  2     What can help during periods               cash) rather than market timing or stock
                                                                                                                                     5     some of the key focus areas?
                                        of
                                         volatility?                              selection, is the main driver of returns.        We will continue our recent focus of
                                 Investing in a diversified mix of asset classes   Having a clearly-articulated philosophy          building our internal capability in shares,
                                 helps limit the impact of volatile markets on
                                                                                   gives us an ‘anchor’ in times of                 credit markets, direct property and
                                 members’ savings, while still allowing
                                                                                   volatility and helps prevent emotional           direct infrastructure into 2019. Bringing
                                 us to deliver competitive returns over the
                                                                                   decision-making.                                 investment management in-house gives
                                 long term.
                                                                                                                                    us direct market access and improves our
                                 Over the last few years we have been
                                 building up our holdings of unlisted assets
                                                                                    4   
                                                                                            Tell us more about your team.           access to unique investment opportunities.

                                 such as direct property, infrastructure and       Our team of 75 offers us the experience          We will also continue to look for
                                 private equity, which increases the level of      and capability to really understand and          opportunities that support the
                                 diversification and can help cushion returns      take advantage of opportunities. But the         communities where our members live,
                                 during periods of share market volatility.        real strength is our diversity. We have          work and retire, through investments like
                                                                                   people from investment banking, funds            the Two Melbourne Quarter development
                                   Other strategies include active asset           management, consulting and academia.             and the NSW and Victorian Land Registry
                                   allocation and foreign currency                 This ensures we can draw on a broad              Services. And we will continue to positively
                                   management.                                     range of experiences and perspectives,           influence their governance, practices
                                         Read more at                              which helps when we are evaluating new           and management through share voting,
                                         firststatesuper.com.au/markets            investment opportunities.                        engagement and advocacy.

22   SuperNews | Autumn 2019                                                                                        firststatesuper.com.au | 1300 650 873 | enquiries@firststatesuper.com.au   23
Important changes
                                                                                                           Combine and save in
               to super                                                                                     3 simple steps
                                                                                                           Use our search and combine tool to
                                                                                                           search for super that you have with another
                                                                                                           fund and any lost super that the ATO may have.
                                                                                                                  To combine your super visit
                                                                                                                  firststatesuper.com.au/combine
                                                    Work test exemption                                     1 Enter your member number, surname, postcode
                                            for recent retirees                                                  and date of birth. You can find your member
                                                                                                                 number on your account snapshot, included

                                                               from 1 July 2019                                  with this magazine.
                                                                                                            2 A pin code will be sent to your mobile to verify it’s you.
                                                                                                            3 Review the super we have found and click the
     Currently, if you are aged 65 to 74 you must work a minimum number of hours                                 consolidation button.
     to make after-tax (or non-concessional) contributions to your super. Known as
     the ‘work test’, you’re required to work at least 40 hours in any consecutive
     30-day period during the financial year in which you make the contribution.                           Why combine with First State Super?
     From 1 July 2019, if you are aged 65 to               The $100,000 annual cap for non-                  As a profit-for-member fund, we’re all about making
     74 with a total superannuation balance                concessional contributions still applies, but     your money go further in retirement.
     below $300,000, you will be able to make              you will be able to make use of the bring-
     after-tax contributions in the financial              forward rule if you turn 65 during the work               Members come                         Advice for a better
     year following the year in which you last             test exemption year.                                      first                                future
     met the work test. So, if you’ve recently             In addition, you can also access any unused               Competitive                          Socially responsible
     stopped working, you have until the end               concessional cap to contribute concessional               investment returns                   choices
     of the following financial year to top up             contributions during the year.                            Less on fees,
     your super.                                                                                                                                          Award-winning fund
                                                                                                                     more for you1

                                                                                                                     We’re proudly local
              A super adviser1 can talk you through the new rules and show you how to
              make the most of your contributions. You won’t pay anything extra for this                     1From 1 October 2018 you no longer pay switching, exit or TFN recovery fees.
              service. Call us or request an appointment at firststatesuper.com.au/advice

     1Financial planning services are provided by our financial planning business State Super Financial          We’re here to help. Call 1300 650 873 to
       Services Australia Limited, trading as StatePlus, ABN 86 003 742 756, AFSL No. 238430. StatePlus           talk to a member of our team.
      is wholly owned by First State Super.

24   SuperNews | Autumn 2019                                                                                                                         firststatesuper.com.au | 1300 650 873 | enquiries@firststatesuper.com.au   25
If you live or work in Melbourne,
    we have a brand new service
    centre in the heart of the CBD at
    570 Bourke Street.

     Feel free to come in and ask a question about your super or
     make an appointment to meet with a StatePlus financial planner.
     StatePlus is our financial planning business and has been advising
     clients since 1990. StatePlus is wholly owned by us.

               To find your closest service                                 For more information about our
               centre check our website at                                  financial planning business, visit
               firststatesuper.com.au/locations                             stateplus.com.au

                               Service and advice
                               Phone      1300 650 873
                               Fax        1300 722 072
                               Email      enquiries@firststatesuper.com.au
                               Web        firststatesuper.com.au
                               Post       PO Box 1229, Wollongong NSW 2500

This is general information only and does not take into account your specific objective, financial situation or needs. Seek
professional financial advice, consider your own circumstances and read our product disclosure statement before making a
decision about First State Super. Call or visit our website for a copy. Issued by FSS Trustee Corporation ABN 11 118 202 672,
                                                                                                                                FSS SN 03/19

AFSL 293340, the trustee of the First State Superannuation Scheme ABN 55 226 460 365. Financial planning services are
provided by our financial planning business State Super Financial Services Australia Limited, trading as StatePlus,
ABN 86 003 742 756, AFSL No. 238430. StatePlus is wholly owned by First State Super.

Issued March 2019
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