Recent News

Emails Regarding Unfunded Superannuation Liability

2025 Annual General Meeting Report

This year’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Tasmanian Association of State Superannuants Inc (TASS) was attended by 28 members.

The following office bearers were elected:

President: John Pauley

Vice President Murray Harper

Secretary & Public Officer John Chalmers

Treasurer # Vacant

Membership Officer Charles Thomas

Editor Super News Jeneane Thomas

Executive Members (6) Ross Brown, Jean Walker, Stephen Graetzer,
Jeff Garsed, David Louez, * Chris Scott

# At the following TASS Executive Meeting held on 15 April 2025 it was agreed that some of the Treasurer’s role be undertaken by the Secretary, and as a result the previous Treasurer, Michael Walker, was duly re-elected.

A most interesting presentation was given by Ms Brigid Wilkinson, CEO Council on the Ageing Tasmania (COTA). Brigid’s presentation included the programmes and advocacy work of COTA.

* At the Executive meeting on 20 May 2025, Christopher Scott tendered his letter of resignation w.e.f. 21 May 2025 and this was accepted. Under 10.4 of the Constitution the Executive appointed Richard Sulikowski to the Executive on 22 May 2025 until the next Annual General Meeting.

Letter to all candidates for the May 2025 Federal Election 18 February 2025

Exemption for RBF Members from the "10% Cap" Legislation

UPDATE 20 March 2025: Reply from Catryna Bilyk, Labor Senator for Tasmania

UPDATE 11 April 2025: Follow-up letter to Senator Bilyk

Retirement Forum 30 October 2024

TASS Superannuation Forum Presentation 30 October 2024

Comparison of DB pensions and ABP

Final TASS Merger Spirit Super - CareSuper Terry Bryan

Northern Forum 24 September 2024

Thirty seven people attended the Northern Forum on Tuesday 24 September at Peppers Silos Hotel Launceston.

Detective Sergeant Paul Turner and Detective Inspector Troy Morrisby of the Tasmanian Police Cybercrime Unit gave an informative and interesting presentation to the group, which is sure to result in an increased awareness, and therefore personal protection, to those in attendance.

Paul and Troy spoke about cyber scams, staying safe online and in particular investment type scams to educate members on things to be aware of and look out for.

The links below were provided by Paul:

www.scamwatch.gov.au - Scams where you have suffered no loss.
www.reportcyber.gov.au - Scams where you have lost funds.
www.idcare.org - Identity theft
www.esafety.gov.au - Online abuse, image sharing etc.
https://haveibeenpwned.com - To check contact details that may have been breached

2024 Annual General Meeting Report

This year's Annual General Meeting (AGM) of TASS Inc was attended by 34 members.

The following Office Bearers were elected:

President	John Pauley
Vice President	Murray Harper
Secretary & Public Officer	John Chalmers
Treasurer	Mike Walker
Membership Officer	Charles Thomas
Super News Editor	Jeneane Thomas
Executive Members (6)	Ross Brown, Stephen Graetzer, Christopher Scott, Jean Walker, Jeff Garsed, David Louez

A most interesting and informative presentation from representatives of the Tasmanian Police Cybercrime Unit was made to members at the conclusion of the TASS Annual General Meeting in March. Topics discussed by Detective Sergeant Paul Turner and Commander Troy Morrisby were cyber scams, staying safe online and in particular, investment type scams. It was agreed that TASS' northern members would find the topic of benefit and a Forum has been arranged for Tuesday 24 September 2024.

Change to TASS Banking Arrangements

The TASS Executive has decided to consolidate it's banking with the one organisation. We have opened accounts at MyState Bank.

For members who renew using direct deposit either online or at a branch, changes will be minimal. My State bank account details are:

My State BSB: 807 009

Account Number: 30137067

Account Name: Tasmanian Association of State Superannuants

Please note your initials and surname in the Reference or Description section when transferring money online. This allows us to allocate your payment quickly to your membership.

In Tasmania, MyState has branches at Glenorchy, Hobart, Kingston, Rosny, Launceston, Burnie and Devonport.

For those who pay by cheque, there is no change: TASS remains the Payee. Please note MyState no longer excepts MyState cheques but will except other bank cheques.

If you have TASS's account details saved in your online banking address list, please ensure that you alter the details to those above.

New Executive for 2023-24

President	John Pauley
Vice President	Murray Harper
Secretary & Public Officer	John Chalmers
Treasurer	Mike Walker
Membership Officer	Charles Thomas
SuperNews Editor	Jeneane Thomas
Executive Members (6)	Jean Walker
	Stephen Graetzer
	Ross Brown
	Ross Butler
	Chris Scott
	Jeff Garsed

Southern Forum 25 July 2023

The Southern Forum was well attended by members and Kristy Meos from Advocacy Tasmania gave an insightful and informative talk regarding their activities and the support they can provide. Their contact details and further information is noted below.

Two off duty Paramedics from Ambulance Tasmania, Michael and Paul, gave a demonstration on the use of defibrillators which was well received. They encouraged those present to familiarise themselves with the location of defibrillators in areas/buildings they frequent.

Sometimes, we need a bit of extra support to enjoy all that life has to offer.

Your Say Advocacy Tasmania is here to help. We can assist you in selecting the right care services for your needs.

If you already have services in place, we can communicate with your provider to make sure that your voice is heard.
We've been working with Tasmanians to resolve their care service issues for over 30 years.
Our service is free and confidential, but most importantly, we work only for you.
We lay out your options, and you decide what happens next.
No issue is too big or too small when it comes to your life, so please reach out. We can help you if:
- There's a problem with your at-home service
- You would like to make a complaint
- You would like to change your service provider
- You need extra help and would like to have at-home services
- You're currently accessing at-home services, but you feel like you need more help
- You're trying to decide which level of support you need
- Friends, family, staff or someone else is mistreating you
- You need to communicate your needs to staff
- You want to understand what your rights are when accessing at-home services
- You are worried about your fees, or would like to understand your finances
- You're not being listened to
- Somebody else is making decisions for you
- You have an issue concerning your Power of Attorney, Administrator or Guardian
- You have a meeting scheduled and would like an independent support person

There are many ways to contact us:

Email: contact@yoursaytas.org

Freecall: 1800 005 131

Web: advocacytasmania.org.au

10% Cap Legislation Update

The following letter was sent on 3 November 2023 to the Commonwealth Minister for Social Services, Amanda Rishworth seeking that members of the Retirement Benefits Fund (RBF) be excluded from the 10% Cap legislation. We are not giving up on our goal of removing the terrible impost this legislation has had on our members. Recent correspondence we received from Minister Rishworth provides a clear indication that members of the RBF scheme should be excluded from the 10% Cap legislation. To find out more have a read of our correspondence to the Minister.

The Hon Amanda Rishworth
Minister for Social Security
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600

3 November 2023

Dear Minister Rishworth,

Social Services Legislation Amendment (Defined Benefits Income Scheme) Act 2015 (The 10% Cap Legislation)

I have recently been provided with copy of a letter you wrote to Senator Wendy Askew in relation to the above legislation on 10 February 2023. As you would no doubt be aware this legislation has never met the intended goal as stated by the then Minister for Social Security, Scott Morrison. That goal was to fix a loophole introduced with the superannuation changes from 2007 which had allegedly allowed some high income former public servants to access the age pension. Instead, this legislation has impacted particularly harshly on a large number of low income retirees in Tasmania who have experienced a significant decline in their total retirement income and their associated well being.

The Tasmanian Association of State Superannuants (TASS) has been seeking that this legislation be repealed since its enactment. The way it operates is extremely unfair and inequitable. Prior to the last election we gained support from your colleague Senator Carol Brown to raise our concerns with you. No doubt by now she has had the opportunity to discuss our concerns with you. For your information I have attached a copy of a briefing note we drafted for Senator Brown which provides you with more background on this legislation, why it is inequitable and unfair, and why it deserves to be repealed.

In your letter of 10 February you have stated:

The Better Super package had the unintended result of shifting a significant amount of employer funded contributions into the employee component for the purposes of calculating the deductible amount for some people. This reduced their assessable income, and in many cases significantly increased their level of income support, even though there was no change in their circumstances.

As a result you have concluded that:

The Tasmanian Retirement Benefits Fund has the characteristics of a defined benefit scheme. As such it is appropriate it is covered by this change.

Regrettably your reasons for concluding that the Tasmanian Retirement Benefits Fund should be covered by the 10% Cap legislation is based on a false premise. This premise is that members of the fund benefited from "the unintended result of shifting a significant amount of employer funded contributions into the employee component".

This has not been the case. In fact the exact opposite has occurred and members of the scheme have been harshly treated by the legislation as a result.

Advice provided to TASS by the Tasmanian Superannuation Commission specifically states that for the Tasmanian scheme there was no shifting of employer funded contributions, significant or otherwise, into the employee component as you have stated. The advice we have been provided with states "The 2007 taxation reforms consolidated 9 taxation components to 3 components. 5 of the 9 components were consolidated into the tax-free component as follows:

Undeducted contributions (the members after tax contributions paid on or after 1 July 1983);
Pre July 1983 component;
Post 1994 invalidity component;
CGT exempt component;
Concessional component;

The Commission further stated that the "taxable component which is represented by the taxed and untaxed (if any) component continued in their present form".

Clearly, the Tasmanian scheme does not exhibit the characteristics upon which you have based your assessment that the scheme is covered by the 10% Cap legislation.

Members of the scheme did not have employer funded contributions shifted into the employee component. These components of the defined benefit pension provided under the scheme remain as taxed and untaxed components as clearly stated by the Commission. They have not been included within the tax free component.

Given that the 10% Cap legislation has impacted harshly on our members, and that your reasons for including the Tasmanian scheme within the coverage of this piece of legislation do not reflect the actions taken by the Tasmanian Superannuation Commission following the 2007 changes, I would request that you reconsider the position stated in your correspondence to Senator Askew.

Clearly, members of the Tasmanian scheme do not meet the assessment criteria for including a defined benefit superannuation scheme within the coverage of the Act and they should not have a 10% cap placed upon the amount they may offset under the income test when assessing their eligibility for the age pension.

Your letter to Senator Askew also states:

The 10 per cent cap on the deductible amount makes sure that contributions to a defined benefit income stream are assessed in line with other financial products such as account based income streams. It helps make sure the income support system provides a similar level of support to those with a similar amount of income and assets.

Given that a retiree who has taken out a life time income stream is able to offset 40% of that total income stream when assessing their eligibility for the age pension, I am also concerned that limiting the offset available to a defined benefit retiree to just 10% of their tax free component is not ensuring that the income support system provides a similar level of support to those with a similar level of income and assets. Clearly the recipient of a lifetime income stream is gaining a considerably greater benefit. This benefit includes not only improved access to the age pension as a result of the 40% offset, but also the tax exempt nature of a lifetime income stream. In contrast a defined benefit income stream is taxable.

I trust that you are able to reconsider your assessment of the Tasmanian Retirement Benefits Fund scheme in light of the clarifying information I have provided above and support that it be exempted from the 10% cap legislation.

Yours sincerely
John Pauley
President
Tasmanian Association of State Superannuants Inc.

IMPORTANT NOTICE
Reversionary Life Pension Provisional - Surviving Partner Pension Declaration Form (Declaration Form)

TASS has become aware of a Retirement Benefits Fund (RBF) requirement, made on 31 March 2022, which is summarised below and detailed in full on the RBF website. RBF Website or www.rbf.com.au

If the Superannuant's Defined Benefits Life Pension was not set up as a Reversionary Life Pension, their spouse is not entitled to a Surviving Spouse Pension on the death of the Superannuant and therefore completion of this "Declaration" form and the later mentioned "Application" form is not required. It is important for the Superannuant to check the status of the pension they are receiving with RBF if they are not sure.

It is very important where a Superannuant has a Reversionary Life Pension and a spouse, that the new Declaration Form is completed by the Superannuant and their spouse and submitted to RBF.

When this Declaration form is recorded by RBF it enables RBF, when notified of the death of the Superannuant, to consider continuing to pay the surviving spouse, two-thirds (2/3) of the deceased Superannuant's Defined Benefit (DB) pension on a fortnightly basis for a period of six (6) months.

Following notification of the Superannuant's death, the RBF will request the surviving spouse to complete an "Application to be Determined as the Surviving Partner" form (Application) (Surviving Partner Application form). The surviving spouse should complete this form and return it to RBF as soon as possible, as the RBF will only pay the interim 2/3 pension for a maximum period of six (6) months from the death of the Superannuant.

When the Application form is submitted to RBF, the surviving spouse will be sent documents which will include the following options:

continue to be paid two thirds (2/3) of the deceased Superannuant's DB pension; or
be paid as a once only lump sum (RBF will calculate this amount); or
withdraw a part lump sum and take a reduced DB pension as a fortnightly payment.

If the Declaration form is not completed by the Superannuant prior to the Superannuant's death, the form is no longer required and payment of the two thirds (2/3) DB pension will not commence. The Application form must then be completed and approved by RBF before any payment can be made to the surviving spouse.

When completing the Declaration form, the Superannuant and spouse must provide RBF with proof of any of the following documents, joint residence with their spouse in the form of an account which notes both their names, for example, a recent Council Rates Notice, an Electricity Account, or a TasWater Account. Both will need to provide another form of identification, for example, current Drivers Licence, joint Bank Account, Private Health Fund and/or Medicare card showing both names. When submitting the form to RBF copies of all documents must be certified correctly or you can take the original documents to any RBF office and have a copy made and certified by an RBF Superannuation Officer who is authorised to certify documents. All original documents will be returned to you.

Do not send original documents by post.

If both partners are DB Superannuants, they must both complete an individual Declaration form and lodge it with RBF.

It is very important that the Surviving Spouse, on the death of the Superannuant, call the RBF Enquiry Line on 1800 622 631 to advise them and request all information required to continue payment of entitlements. RBF is there to assist and will mail documentation to the Surviving Spouse if that is preferred.

Useful links:

RBF Website - https://www.treasury.tas.gov.au/retirement-benefits-fund

Declaration form - https://www.treasury.tas.gov.au/Documents/RBF Form - Reversionary Life Pension Partner Declaration Form.pdf

Application form - Surviving Partner Application form - https://www.treasury.tas.gov.au/Documents/RBF Form - Application to be determined as a surviving partner (pensions).pdf

RBF Declaration Form

It is important to note that when providing documentation to the RBF in support of the Declaration form, ALL documents must be dated three months or less when submitted to and received by RBF.

The following applies to all members, regardless of their location:

If you are sending copies of all necessary documentation of proof, remember they must each be certified by a Justice of the Peace or Commissioner of Declarations. Do not send original documents. If you are meeting with an RBF Superannuation Consultant, they can certify documents at the time.

Assistance Completing the Declaration Form

Tasmanian Members:

If you wish to have a face-to-face appointment or require general assistance with an RBF Superannuation Consultant in Hobart, Launceston, Devonport or Burnie, please ring the RBF's Administrator (Link) enquiry line on 1800 622 631 to arrange a convenient time. Alternatively, you can call into the Hobart or Launceston Office for assistance.

Depending on your location and/or situation you can request a video conference with a Hobart RBF Superannuation Consultant by ringing the enquiry line 1800 622 631.

Hobart Office - Ground Floor, 21 Kirksway Place

Launceston Office - Level 3, Henty House, 1 Civic Square

Interstate Members:

For assistance regarding the Declaration form, you need to ring the RBF's Administrator (Link) enquiry line on 1800 622 631 for assistance, or to request a video conference with a Hobart RBF Superannuation Consultant.

Southern Tasmania Forum 18 October 2022
Residential Aged Care, Supported Accommodation and Retirement Village Living

On Tuesday 18 October, 54 Members and guests heard from an entertaining and informative panel of speakers involved in Residential Aged Care, Supported Accommodation and Retirement Village Living. Representatives from the Tasmanian Government's Consumer, Building and Occupational Services department (CBOS) which is responsible for Consumer Affairs and Fair Trading among other matters, the Council of the Ageing (COTA) and Queen Victoria Care (QVC) explained the legalities and their involvement in these facets of life which are so important to many, if not all, of us. The presenters happily accepted and answered questions and COTA had Aged Care booklets available for those who wanted further information. The Queen Victoria Care representatives circulated written material relative to their accommodation and care options and took expressions of interest from those present to reserve a tour of their facilities at a future date.

Over afternoon tea we were able to continue talking to the presenters about any concerns we had. The Forum was very well received and we look forward to being able to present similar events in the future.

We are mindful of the fact that this Forum was also planned for the North of the State. We continue to work towards that for a date in 2023 as presenters were not available prior to the end of this year.

If you have an idea for a future forum subject that is relevant to retirees, please make sure to tell us and we will do our best to arrange speakers of interest.

Queen Victoria Care (QVC) summary of presentation

Carmen Rocchia (Corporate Services Manager) provided an overview of the history of Queen Victoria Care and the Chief Executive Officer, Jacqui Marden. "We are a community organisation that places individuals at the centre of everything we do. Situated in the beautiful community of Lindisfarne on Hobart's Eastern Shore, we have offered tailored aged care services for older people for over 130 years. Our mission is to be the Centre of Excellence for an ageing-well community, providing respectful, compassionate, individual care that supports the independence of every resident."

More information can be found on the website www.qvcare.com.au.

Chloe Doddridge (Client Liaison Officer) provided an overview of the services and facilities that are available onsite at Queen Victoria Care, these include, Residential Aged Care permanent and respite, Retirement Living, Fee for Service and Home Care.

Queen Victoria Care has four different unit types, both one and two bedroom options, with current prices ranging between $380,000.00 to $650,000.00. Chloe provided information and specifics on the ingoing contribution, deferred management fee and ongoing management fee. Fee for Service and Home Care are available within your unit to support you to stay well at home.

Chloe detailed the costs and daily fees for residential aged care respite and permanent options, providing specific information of the current fees.

Chloe will be conducting a group tour in the coming weeks, for those who expressed interest at the Forum. We would like to encourage you to contact Chloe Doddridge at Queen Victoria Care on (03) 6243 3100 or cdoddridge@qvcare.com.au if you have any questions, would like an information pack, or would like to arrange a time for a tour of the facility.

TASS Forum Tuesday 18 October 2022

Residential Aged Care, Supported Accommodation

and Retirement Village Living

Time: 1.30pm to 3.30pm (including afternoon tea)

Venue: Motor Yacht Club of Tasmania (MYCT) 1 Ford Parade, Lindisfarne

If there is anything you wish to know about Residential Aged Care, Retirement Village Living or Supported living make sure you come along to this Forum.

We have a panel of expert presenters including a leading nursing home/retirement village CEO, Government agencies and the Council of the Ageing (COTA) who will be able to cover every aspect of aged care living and answer all your questions from what to expect to how much various options cost and much more.

Please RSVP to confirm your attendance by Tuesday 11 October to John Chalmers, 0448 731 845 or by email to info@tass.org.au.

We look forward to seeing you on Tuesday 18 October, please mark it on your calendar now!

We are planning to hold a Northern Forum on the same topic on Tuesday 15 November. Further details will be circulated as soon as arrangements have been finalised.

“10% Cap” Legislation Campaign Update

TASS Executive members met with Sen. Carol Brown on 21 April to discuss the 10% Cap Issue and what the Labor party could or would do in relation to a potential review of the legislation as suggested by Sen. Eric Abetz as part of his ongoing support.

Sen. Brown is individually supportive of TASS’ position, but bound by Labor processes. She gave a commitment to take the issue to the Tasmanian Labor caucus members, and then, with their support, to the broader caucus and then into parliament for action.

The Greens have told TASS that they support a Senate inquiry in principle, and that if there is any indication that a new Labor government would seek to legislate changes, then a Senate inquiry into such legislation would be the most pertinent avenue to inquire into this issue.

Senator Jacqui Lambie has previously indicated support for TASS in doing whatever she can to assist. Andrew Wilkie MP has been steadfast in his support for TASS’ campaign to have this inequitable and unfair legislation repealed.

We have also had undertakings of support from some minor party candidates from United Australia Party and One Nation.

What we haven’t got is a commitment from the Liberal Party for at least a review. They are continuing to run the line that the Act is doing what was always intended and won’t be changed.

We will continue to try to convince them that a review is the only sensible course of action at this stage.

John Minchin

President

New Executive for 2022

At the AGM on 15th March, the following members were elected to the Executive. We welcome Ross Butler to the Executive for 2022

President	John Minchin
Vice President	John Pauley
Secretary & Public Officer	John Chalmers
Treasurer	Mike Walker
Membership Officer	Charles Thomas
Newsletter Editor	Jeneane Thomas
Executive Members (6)	Ross Brown
	Murray Harper
	Stephen Graetzer
	Chris Bevan
	Jean Walker
	Ross Butler

TASS AGM Tuesday 15 March 2022

Guest Speaker

We are pleased to advise the guest speaker for the TASS Annual General Meeting on Tuesday 15 March is Professor James Vickers.

Professor James Vickers is the Director of the Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre. This Centre is at the forefront of research and support for issues confronting people with dementia and their carers. Its projects are being carried out in Tasmania and nationally, across research fields such as neuroscience, medicine, nursing, psychology and sociology, health, economics and policy.

The Wicking Centre is a flagship of the University’s College of Health and Medicine and was established in 2008.

The Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre (WDREC) is unique in Australia as an integrated dementia centre that is active across a range of disciplines, seeking to improve the lives of people with dementia and their carers. The WDREC aims to:

Better understand the diseases affecting the brain that cause progressive decline in functioning affecting memory, problems solving skills, function and social behaviour;
Develop evidence-based models of care provision for people with dementia and their carers;
Explore the trajectory of brain and functional changes in ageing through dementia;
Provide educational programs to build knowledge and understanding of dementia within the community.

Professor Vickers’ talk will cover the work being undertaken at the Centre and how its work is of benefit to older Tasmanians. His address is sure to be of interest to all who are able to attend.

Kind regards

John Minchin

President

Link to Professor Vicker's profile

TASS ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Tuesday 15 March 2022

Venue: Motor Yacht Club of Tasmania (MYCT), 1 Ford Parade, Lindisfarne

(Access from East Derwent Highway, via Lincoln Street and Park Road) Parking is available at the MYCT or on the street

Time: 1:30 to 3:00pm (including afternoon tea)

Guest Speaker: Professor James Vickers, Director of the Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre

RSVP: By 5:00pm Thurs 10 March 2022 to John Chalmers, 0448 731 845, or info@tass.org.au