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supernews Autumn 2019 Investing with integrity Why corporate governance matters Read SuperNews online at firststatesuper.com.au/supernews
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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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