On 30 August 2021, the Fund was informed by APRA (the superannuation regulator) that our default MySuper product (which we call an “option”) did not pass the recently introduced Government annual performance test.
Please note, the test combines the performance of our current MySuper option LifetimeOne (introduced in May 2018) and the previous MySuper option, Conservative Balanced.
Australian Catholic Superannuation is a sustainable platinum rated superannuation fund with award winning products and services. We continue to support members in all aspects of their superannuation, retirement planning, insurance and financial planning.
We hope the below FAQ will assist with any queries or concerns members may have with the Government test. If you have a specific question, we encourage you to contact us on 1300 658 776 or via fundoffice@catholicsuper.com.au.
The test assesses the returns of MySuper options (after the deduction of fees) over the last 7 years. The test compares the returns of our MySuper option with the returns that a comparable option would have delivered over the same period.
In the past, we have acknowledged underperformance in the Conservative Balanced option. This was the instigation for the Trustee to introduce LifetimeOne in May 2018. We are pleased to note that LifetimeOne is achieving its intended investment objectives as disclosed in our PDS.
Unfortunately, the APRA performance benchmark includes the performance of our previous MySuper option for part of that 7-year period.
The performance test has been designed to allow members in options that the Government has deemed “underperforming” to be informed and make their own independent choice on their superannuation moving forward.
For members in LifetimeOne, it’s important to consider your choices. The ATO YourSuper comparison tool provides a holistic view of all MySuper options available. A reminder that the comparison tool has 3 year returns (these relate to LifetimeOne), and 5 year and 7 year returns (these relate to the combination of LifetimeOne and Conservative Balanced), which we encourage you to review.
LifetimeOne was created in 2018 to enable members to have different exposure to growth and defensive assets as they age. As a member approaches retirement, the option automatically becomes more defensive to help protect member’s superannuation savings from market fluctuations.
Each member will have a specific investment return due to the nature of LifetimeOne. The returns below, however, give an indication for each age bracket.
Option
1 year to June 2021
3 years to June 2021
LifetimeOne 40 and below
20.88%
8.29%
LifetimeOne 45
19.11%
7.86%
LifetimeOne 50
17.36%
7.42%
LifetimeOne 55
15.61%
6.99%
LifetimeOne 60
13.87%
6.55%
LifetimeOne 65
11.61%
6.09%
LifetimeOne 70 and over
9.40%
5.63%
Source: The returns above have been taken from the SuperRatings Default Option survey. This survey compares fund’s default investment options no matter percentage of growth assets in each option. Returns are net of investment fees, tax and implicit asset-based administration fee. Explicit fees such as fixed dollar administration fees, exit fees, contribution fees and switching fees are excluded.
We continue to pursue our strategy of seeking increased scale in order to remain competitive in this changing landscape with the aim of providing our members with better products and improved services and economies of scale.
Please note: As our default, LifetimeOne, was introduced in 2018 the returns in the tool for 3 years relate to our current product. The 5 and 7 year numbers relate to our previous default.
1. Visit the YourSuper comparison tool and compare a fund’s performance and fees with other funds. NB: The returns for LifetimeOne since its inception in May 2018 have been very competitive against other performing MySuper options.
2. Check investment returns on your Annual Statement. These give an idea of your returns as a percentage and a monetary figure.
3. Consider insurance cover as switching funds can have a significant impact on your insurance benefits.
4. Understand the exposure to growth assets (risk) that other products have and making sure members are comfortable with the risk/return trade off.
5. Contact the fund office to speak with one of our call centre staff, regional managers or limited advice specialists at no additional cost to discuss any questions you may have in relation to the performance test or your account more generally.
Australian Catholic Superannuation will continue to support members into the future. We are proud of our award winning insurance, member education and ongoing commitment to helping members of all age with their superannuation.
You do not have to make any changes as a result of this information if you don’t want to.
Any advice contained in this document is of a general nature only, and does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. Prior to acting on any information in this document, you need to take into account your own financial circumstances, consider the Product Disclosure Statement for any product you are considering, and seek independent financial advice if you are unsure of what action to take. The material contained in this document is based on information received in good faith from sources within the market and on our understanding of the legislation at this time. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.
